Lee powers John Marshall in upset of Jones

WARR ACRES — Making his return to the field from a one-week injury absence, John Marshall star running back Devonte Lee initially played an unfamiliar role in the biggest game of his career — a decoy.

The beast woke up at the right time.

Lee erupted for 189 yards and four touchdowns, including three in the fourth quarter, as John Marshall shocked No. 1 Jones, 29-26, in the 3A semifinals at Putnam City Stadium to snap the defending state champions’ 18-game win streak.

“Don’t poke the bear,” Lee said with a smile. “I was anxious. I was ready. The team was ready. The team was calling me. I told them to be patient. When they called my number it was time to shine.”

And boy did Lee shine. Lee was utilized mostly as a blocker in the first half, carrying it four times for 38 yards and a score to give the Bears a 7-0 lead. He took over after halftime with 151 yards and the three scores. The Nevada commit converted a third-and-15 to set up a 14-yard touchdown for a 22-12 lead and later sealed it with a 51-yard score.

“Greatest feeling of my life. Ain’t no other feeling better than this feeling,” Lee said.

John Marshall ended Jones’ title run a year after Jones sent the Bears home in the semifinals.

The Bears made sure that didn’t happen again, shutting down a Longhorns offense that had scored at least 34 points in all 13 games.

The secret? John Marshall used its physical presence to wear them down.

“This particular team, mentally, is one of the toughest teams I’ve had the pleasure of coaching,” John Marshall coach Rashaun Woods said.