The Union High School football team’s undefeated season came to an end with a nail-biter in the state semifinals, as the team continued its season without their missing head coach, Travis Turner, amid child pornography allegations.
Union played in the Virginia High School League Class 2 semifinals on Saturday, December 6, against Glenvar High School, losing 21-20 after a stopped two-point conversion late in the fourth quarter.
The battle of the two undefeated teams was a back-and-forth affair, as the teams were tied 7-7 heading into halftime. Glenvar broke through in the second half, building a 14-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.
But that wasn’t the end for Union.
The Bears mounted a furious comeback, scoring two touchdowns in the final frame, with the second coming with just a few seconds left on the clock. After the score, Union decided to go for the two-point conversion to win the game, rather than kick the extra point to send the game to overtime.
The try fell short, ending the Bears’ season.
Saturday’s loss is the first of the season for Union, who’s been playing the last two weeks without their head coach, including a playoff win in the state quarterfinal on Saturday, November 29.
Turner, 46, went missing on November 20, last seen by members of his family walking into the woods behind his home while carrying a firearm.
Days after he went missing, Turner was charged with five counts of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor.
Turner has coached at Union since 2011, and his oldest son, Bailey, is a member of the coaching staff.
Travis and his wife of nearly 25 years, Leslie Caudill Turner, also share son Grayden, 21, and daughter Brynlee, 11.
The Turner family pleaded for Travis’ return in a statement issued via their attorney to Us Weekly on Wednesday, December 3.
“If Travis has the ability and is able to respond to his family’s wishes; your wife and children are in distress,” the statement read. “Leslie pleads for you to come home and face the allegations by defending yourself in a court of law. Don’t leave your family to fight this battle without you. They love and miss you. They want you to know they are your support.”
The family said they have cooperated with authorities throughout their investigation, which has included “multiple” searches of their homes and properties.
Leslie explained her fears about her husband’s disappearance were “heightened” when she realized he left home without many essential items.
“Travis’ car and keys were left at home,” the statement said. “Travis wore contact lenses by day and glasses in the evenings. Travis’ contact lens supplies and glasses were left at home. Travis’ wallet, license, cash, and all its contents were left in the home. Travis is prescribed certain daily medications which he needs, those were left in the home. It is not like Travis to disappear or stay away from home.”
The United States Marshals Service joined the search for Travis on Monday, December 1, in accordance with the agency offering a $5,000 reward for information about his disappearance.
“The search remains active and ongoing with the assistance of the US Marshals Service and FBI,” a spokesperson for the Virginia State Police told Us on December 3. “We are still asking for the public’s assistance in providing any information that may lead to Turner’s whereabouts.”
The VSP said they are “following up on all tips received” and urged anybody with information to call 911 or the Virginia State Police, or visit usmarshals.gov/tips.
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