Dawson-Boyd running backs Esten Weber and Justin Lee have combined for more than 2,600 yards and 37 touchdowns this season, but the Class 1A state semifinal belonged to Blackjacks sophomore quarterback Joey Lee.
Lee accounted for seven touchdowns, four passing and another three on the ground, as Dawson-Boyd rolled past Blooming Prairie 50-27 to advance to its first state title game appearance.
"We haven't really had to rely on him like this because we've been able to run the ball fairly successfully this season," said Blackjacks head coach Cory Larson. "Today we had to make Joe a playmaker, and he did a great job of stepping up."
Lee finished the game with 12 completions on 23 attempts for 240 yards passing and four touchdowns. He called it "a day I'll never forget."
Three of Lee's touchdown passes went to senior wide receiver Zach Stelter, who finished with 171 yards on eight receptions.
Dawson-Boyd broke open the game after holding a hard-fought 21-13 halftime lead.
Midway through the second quarter, Blackjacks senior wide receiver/defensive back Evan Robertson made a trio of big plays.
First, after the Awesome Blossoms forced a Dawson-Boyd three-and-out, Robertson recovered a muffed punt at midfield to retain possession for his team.
