UPDATE: Bishop O’Dowd has just clinched the CIF 5-AA NorCal title, defeating Chico 23-20 in a thrilling championship game on November 17, 2023. This hard-fought victory, achieved on the road in Oakland, California, marks a significant milestone for the Dragons as they aim for their second state championship.
The match reached a dramatic climax in the final moments when O’Dowd’s defense executed a crucial fourth-down sack against Chico quarterback John Bernardez, sealing the win and igniting celebrations among the players and fans. The victory echoes the success of the Dragons’ 2016 team, which also captured this championship.
Junior running back Lamar Ellis shone brightly, scoring two touchdowns and leading O’Dowd’s offense with electrifying plays. His standout performance included an impressive 17-yard touchdown run that initially gave the Dragons a 6-0 lead. The PAT was blocked, but O’Dowd’s momentum continued to build.
Chico responded quickly with a touchdown from Bernardez to Jake Detmer, putting them ahead 7-6. However, O’Dowd reclaimed the lead just before halftime with a 24-yard field goal from Zach Brien, ending the half at 9-7 in favor of O’Dowd.
The second half saw Chico scoring a touchdown on their opening drive, taking a 14-9 lead. But O’Dowd’s Trevor Erickson electrified the crowd with a stunning 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, re-establishing O’Dowd’s lead at 16-14.
As the game progressed, Ellis delivered a jaw-dropping run that showcased his agility and speed, pushing O’Dowd’s lead to 23-14. Chico managed to narrow the gap with a touchdown from Bernardez, making the score 23-20 with just over five minutes left.
In a nail-biting finish, Chico’s last-ditch effort fell short as O’Dowd’s defense held strong, leading to the decisive fourth-down sack that eliminated Chico’s hopes of victory.
“It was a complete team effort,” said O’Dowd’s coach, reflecting on the players’ resilience and determination throughout the game. “We knew it would be tough on the road, but our guys dug deep and showed incredible heart.”
With this victory, O’Dowd (10-4) is set to face Christian-El Cajon next week in the state championship game in Southern California. Fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be another thrilling matchup as the Dragons aim to repeat history.
Stay tuned for updates on O’Dowd’s journey to the state title as they seek to bring home the championship once again!
