ARLINGTON - While the big-name stars shined in the 5A Division II State Championship, it was the play of quarterback Jake Bishop that set the tone for Aledo in its 45-42 win over Fort Bend Marshall to capture its 11-man state-record 9th state title.
Aledo (15-1) jumped on Marshall early, taking a 14-0 lead on a couple of quick strikes from Bishop to Money Parks and Jojo Earle. Marshall (14-2) tightened up defensively later in the quarter and early second to claw to within 14-13.
The teams traded blow through the second quarter but a solid 2-minute drive by Aledo pushed its halftime lead to 28-20. It would the beginning of a 17-point run by Aledo to extend its lead to 38-20. The second touchdown in that stretch was a 63-yard touchdown rush by Jase McClellan, who put together a fantastic performance despite coming into the game a little hobbled.
McClellan even left Aledo's first drive with an injury but still manged to play the rest of the game rushing for two scores and 220 yards.
Marshall, though, would not go away regardless of the score. Down 18 twice, Marshall responded on the ensuing drives to cut it to 11 the first time and then 10 second time. Marshall then forced a turnover on downs on Aledo's last drive and found the endzone to make it a 3-point game.
However, the onside kick comfortably landed in Aledo's hands to seal the win.
The game's offensive MVP went to Bishop, who threw three scores and ran for another and accounted for 300 total yards.
