BUFORD -- Like any good linebacker, Buford's Dillon Lee loves to hit people.
It was evident as a sophomore in 2009 that hitting opposing ball carriers was something that Lee took passionately and seriously as an emerging special teams player and second-team backup. And it didn't go unnoticed by head coach Jess Simpson.
"He made some big plays for us last year on special teams and by the end of the year he was seeing more playing time," Simpson said. "We felt like he had potential to be good if he got a little bigger."
Almost as if on cue, enter Mother Nature.
Lee grew three-plus inches and gained nearly 25 pounds heading into spring practice and worked on improving his speed as well. Again, it did not go unnoticed by Simpson and the rest of the coaching staff.
"We noticed in the spring that he had gotten taller and bigger and it only took about one week to see that he could be very good," Simpson said. "We knew that if he could get a grasp on the mental aspect of things he could be a leader for us."
Well, as the Wolves prepare to take on Calhoun Friday at 4:30 p.m. in the Georgia Dome in the Class AA state championship, Lee is letting his leadership qualities show on the field. The junior leads the team tackles with 77, has eight sacks, five interceptions, and two defensive touchdowns.
"My goal at the beginning of the year was to get bigger, faster, stronger, and that happened naturally," Lee said. "The coaches then said they needed me to step in and be a leader and that's what I've been trying to do. I feel good about how the season has gone. Hopefully we can bring home another title Friday."
Simpson said Lee's athletic qualities make him one of the most valuable players on a defense that features nine underclassmen starters. The Wolves have allowed 142 points in 14 games (10.2 ppg) but roughly half of that came against the second and third units in games the Wolves led big in the third quarter.
By comparison the 2010 defense falls well short of the 2007 state title team that allowed a ridiculously low 66 points in 15 games. But it could be as good as the 2009 group that allowed just 116 points.
"I hate comparing teams because they are all different," Simpson said. "But this group has gotten better with each game and Dillon's ability to lead the defense has been a big reason for their success. He's definitely one of our best athletes. He can play linebacker but also has the speed and skills to play in the secondary and cover good receivers. That's a rare combination."
Lee said the secret to their success isn't any real secret.
"We work hard and I think we know what each other is supposed to do," he said. "We talk about being the best and now we have a chance to show that we're as good (as some of the other Buford teams)."
Lee was instrumental in leading the Wolves to a 53-13 rout of Lovett last week in the semifinals and in a 21-14 win over Cook in the third round. In both instances Lee picked off an opposing pass and returned them for a touchdown.
At the time, Cook players had posted responses on Facebook and other Internet blogs that they were going to put up big numbers against the Buford defense.
"I think my favorite play of the year is the one against Lovett because it came at a huge point in the game," he said. "(Lovett) was driving and I was able to make a play and I think that kind of got all of us going. The Cook game we wanted to show them we were for real and the best in the state.
"There was a lot of trash-talking and they kept saying things during the game. That just kind of fired us up to win the game."
With Buford taking on Calhoun for the third straight year in the title game, the Wolves know that a state title could hinge on the play of its defense. Lee said it is time for them to leave their mark in the folklore of Buford football.
"We know we can beat them but they are a good team," Lee said. "Our goal was to win state and we have that chance. Hopefully we can get some three-and-outs early and give our offense a chance to get the first lead.
Simpson said fans will know at around 7 p.m. Friday if the 2010 unit can be mentioned along the other great units over the past decade.
"This unit has grown a lot during the year and has really improved," Simpson said. "But like everyone before them, they will be remembered by what happens Friday. If they can get the win I think they could go down as one of the best units we've ever had."
BUFORD vs. CALHOUN
-- WHAT: Class AA football championship game
-- WHEN: 4:30 p.m. Friday
-- WHERE: Georgia Dome, Atlanta
-- RADIO: WDUN AM 550 and 102.9 FM
-- BUFORD (13-1, No. 1 seed Region 6-AA): Defeated Lovett 53-13 in the semifinals.
-- CALHOUN (14-0, No. 1 seed Region 7-AA): Defeated Carver, Columbus 27-14 in the semifinals.
Friday
January 31st, 2025
10:38AM
