A Closer Look at DE Damien Lee

How often does a defensive end earn MVP honors in a state championship game?

About as frequent as Paula Deen not using butter.

Reidsville's world-renowned defensive end Damien Lee was apart of the Ram's second straight 2AA title and 16-0 season as a senior.

The NCPreps.com 2A first team all-state nominee's presence was far greater than his dominating title game statistics. Although Lee acumulated 10 tackles, 4 for loss, 1.5 sacks, and two pass deflections in the convincing 24-7 win over East Lincoln, his harrassing pass-rushing tendencies disoriented quarterback Josh Wilson.

On the afternoon, the once-high powered Mustang offense scored only once and gave up an astonishing seven sacks.

East Lincoln head coach Mike Byus told reporters to take nothing away from Reidsville's defense and their effort.

"“We’d sprint out and get a pass batted down or we’d sprint out and get sacked from behind," said Byus to the Dan River Newspaper. "We went to our quick game and we had people right in our face. Those guys were just super quick up front.”

Wilson had seen enough of Reidsville's Lee throughout the contest, and he also gave high praise to Catawba's latest marquee recruit.

“I give him special congratulations,” Wilson said. “He’s what, 6-4 and 250. He’s a big kid and he’s quick.”

Wilson was being generous on Lee's size, which is 6'3 235 pounds.

On that day however, and throughout his final prep season, Lee played like a giant.

Not only can Lee boast about racking up 108 stops, 37 behind the line of scrimmage, nine sacks, and five forced fumbles, but he can also recall not suffering defeat in two years.

During his junior and senior seasons, Lee enjoyed a 32 game winning streak that included two straight state crowns. His winning nature will fit in great at the next level, Catawba College.

The Indians haven't suffered a losing season in nearly 15 years, and with players like Lee wearing Catawba blue and white, the tradition shall continue.