Oklahoma high school football: Blanchard's Lincoln Smith, Jacob Maston star in upset win at John Marshall

It seemed like a replay.

Blanchard senior linebacker Jacob Maston stepped in front of John Marshall quarterback Kane Donovan's pass, and with no one in his way, he took it back for a pick-6. The fourth-quarter interception was the final touchdown for Blanchard, but it was déjà vu for nearly everyone in the stands. 

Maston had secured his second interception return for a touchdown in Blanchard's 46-33 win against Class 4A sixth-ranked John Marshall on Thursday at Taft Stadium. His first, a 24-yard return, was the second of three straight Lion scores to open the game. The final, from 30 yards out on the same side of the field, was the final in a trio of Blanchard scores in a huge fourth quarter to pull off an district-opening upset win.

"Those two interceptions were huge," Blanchard coach Jeff Craig said. "They really thwarted drives when John Marshall had a chance to get back in the game."

Blanchard (2-2, 1-0 District 4A-2) also had a huge performance from junior wide receiver and defensive back Lincoln Smith. He had two touchdown catches, the first a 60-yard slant on the third play of the game, and the second on an 89-yard slant up the middle and up the left sideline. 

Smith also recorded an interception. He finished with six catches for 235 yards. 

Craig said Smith's second touchdown provided a spark to help the Lions close out the game.

John Marshall (2-2, 0-1) had the three turnovers and turned the ball over on downs a trio of times. The Bears trailed 18-0 before star senior receiver and defensive back Bryce Stephens, an Arkansas commit, caught touchdown passes on three straight drives to tie the game at 18 heading to half. 

Stephens, who finished with the three catches for 152 yards, also had an interception to set up his final touchdown grab.

The teams traded third-quarter scores, with John Marshall taking a 25-24 lead into the fourth quarter.

Then Blanchard scored three straight times to clinch its district opener. The first touchdown was Logan McKay's 2-yard reception, then Smith hauled in his 89-yard score and Maston punctuated the victory with the pick-6.

"We knew if we could beat these guys, it would be one step closer to the playoffs for us," Craig said. "We've just got to continue taking care of business because there's other hurdles in front of us."