UPDATE: Bishop O’Dowd has just captured the CIF 5-AA NorCal title in a nail-biting finish against Chico, winning 23-20 on Friday night. The game, held nearly three hours from home in Chico, California, showcased the Dragons’ resilience and determination as they secured their spot in the upcoming state championship.
In a dramatic climax with just 90 seconds left on the clock, O’Dowd’s defense delivered a critical fourth-down sack on quarterback John Bernardez, sealing the victory and allowing the team to celebrate a hard-fought championship. This win not only marks a significant achievement for O’Dowd but also brings back memories of their 2016 regional title.
The Dragons, now boasting a record of 10-4, displayed incredible teamwork throughout the game. Junior running back Lamar Ellis stood out once again, scoring two touchdowns, including a jaw-dropping 17-yard run that helped establish an early lead. Ellis’s performance follows a remarkable five-touchdown game just a week prior against Fortuna.
O’Dowd initially took the lead with Ellis’s touchdown, but Chico quickly responded with a pass to Jake Detmer, putting the score at 7-6 after a successful PAT. A blocked PAT would later keep O’Dowd in contention as they took a 9-7 lead into halftime thanks to a 24-yard field goal from Zach Brien.
The second half saw a series of intense plays. After Chico regained the lead at 14-9 following Bernardez’s touchdown run, O’Dowd answered back almost immediately. Trevor Erickson electrified the crowd with a 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, flipping the scoreboard to 16-14.
As the game progressed, Ellis delivered another highlight-reel moment with a spectacular run that extended O’Dowd’s lead to 23-14. Despite a late surge from Chico that brought them within three points with Bernardez’s second touchdown, O’Dowd’s defense stood firm, ultimately stopping Chico’s final drive with a decisive sack.
With this victory, O’Dowd now sets its sights on the state championship, where they will compete against Christian-El Cajon next week in Southern California. The stakes are high as the Dragons aim to replicate the success of their 2016 team.
This thrilling match not only highlights the talent of the players but also the dedication and spirit of high school football. Fans and followers are eagerly anticipating the upcoming state final, as O’Dowd looks to add another championship to its storied history.
