UPDATE: Bishop O’Dowd has surged to victory, capturing the North Coast Section Division VI championship with a dominating 59-21 win over Fortuna late Saturday afternoon at Moreau Catholic High School. This marks the Dragons’ first title in seven years, signaling a remarkable turnaround after a shaky start to the season.
The Dragons faced significant adversity, beginning the season with a 1-3 record and struggling in crucial games. However, all doubts were erased as the team celebrated their triumph, drenching coach Hardy Nickerson in Gatorade and hoisting the championship trophy high above their heads.
Junior running back Lamar Ellis was a standout performer, rushing for 186 yards and scoring five touchdowns on just 16 carries. Ellis ignited the offense with three touchdowns in the first quarter, establishing a strong lead of 21-7 early in the contest.
Despite a spirited effort from Fortuna, which cut the deficit to 31-21 with a kickoff return touchdown by Michael Shaw, O’Dowd remained unflinching. On the very next play, Ellis responded with a dazzling 59-yard run, quickly extending the gap to 38-21 just 59 seconds into the third quarter.
Nickerson praised Ellis, stating, “He’s just unbelievable. He’s as good as I’ve seen, a guy who finds the right hole, has the acceleration, has the power to run through tackles.” The coach emphasized the importance of the offensive line’s performance in creating opportunities for Ellis.
As the game progressed, O’Dowd continued to dominate. After a crucial fourth-down stop, quarterback Christian Cermenelli-Johnson quickly orchestrated a 48-yard scoring drive, culminating in a 24-yard touchdown pass to sophomore Bryan Edwards, pushing the score to 45-21 with under seven minutes left in the third quarter.
Edwards, known for his speed, electrified the field again, returning a punt 60 yards for a touchdown, further solidifying O’Dowd’s commanding lead. Nickerson highlighted Edwards’ unique talents, calling him a “cheat code” on the field, capable of outpacing opponents at every turn.
Reflecting on the team’s success, Edwards remarked, “We know they’re going to scheme us, but we switch up our plays a little bit… We’re too good.” This victory not only represents a significant achievement for O’Dowd but also showcases the potential for future success, as many team members are juniors.
With a season record of 9-4, the Dragons now look ahead to the CIF NorCal regionals, where matchups will be announced Sunday. This next stage promises to be another thrilling chapter in a season that has turned from doubt to triumph.
As fans and supporters celebrate this pivotal victory, the excitement surrounding Bishop O’Dowd’s young and talented roster is palpable. The Dragons have proven they are a force to be reckoned with as they continue their journey in postseason play.
