Family and football bind Chaminade’s Donovan and Dymond Lee

The Lee brothers at West Hills Chaminade, Donovan and Dymond, finally got to play football together this season, and what a memorable experience it has been.

“It’s life changing,” said Dymond, a sophomore receiver.

“It’s a blessing,” said Donovan, a senior running back-defensive back.

For 16 weeks, they have been an invaluable one-two punch for Chaminade (13-2), which faces Redding Enterprise (13-0) in the CIF state championship Division II bowl game on Saturday at 4 p.m. at StubHub Center in Carson.

Donovan has rushed for 1,955 yards and scored 36 touchdowns. Dymond has caught 43 passes for 826 yards and nine touchdowns.

Whenever a Lee brother scores a touchdown, they celebrate together with a personalized handshake that has “cool” written all over it. Deep thought goes into each one.

Donovan, committed to Colorado, has been Chaminade’s replacement for Terrell Newby, last year’s standout now at Nebraska.

Dymond was a quarterback until this season. Switched to receiver, he has been so impressive that Miami made him a scholarship offer. He’s the tallest Lee at 6 feet 1.

“I wish I had a couple more inches,” said Donovan, who’s 5-8, 170 pounds.

When it comes to competitiveness, don’t bet against the big brother. Donovan takes down running backs and receivers with great effectiveness on defense. Offensively and on special teams, he’s always finding a way to contribute. He might be the one player Chaminade can’t afford to lose during a game.

“Donovan has great moves and great athleticism and can do anything with the ball,” Coach Ed Croson said.

Dymond has been the big surprise. Because Chaminade returned Brad Kaaya at quarterback, Croson decided to find a way to take advantage of Dymond’s skills by putting him at receiver.

“I didn’t know how I would do, since I’ve played quarterback my whole life,” Dymond said. “But we have great coaches and having Brad at quarterback makes it easy because he puts the ball at the right spot and allows me to make a play.”

The Lees lived in Arlington, Texas, until moving to Southern California more than five years ago. An older brother, Devon, was a running back for Chaminade in 2011. It’s clear where their passion for football was developed.

“It was mandatory,” Donovan said of playing football in Texas. “It was a religion out there.”

Dymond couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to play alongside Donovan this season.

“I’ve looked up to him my whole life,” he said. “Being able to see him on the field and how he interacts with all the players is really motivating.”

Now each has a chance to help Chaminade make history with a first bowl game championship appearance after scoring victories over Gardena Serra and Newhall Hart, teams they lost to during the regular season.

“It’s kind of a fairy-tale ending, getting the chance to avenge both losses, then play for a state championship,” Donovan said.

If the Eagles come up victorious Saturday night in Carson, look for the Lees to have a special handshake for the occasion.

eric.sondheimer@latimes.com