UPDATE: Bishop O’Dowd has triumphed in the North Coast Section Division VI championship, defeating Fortuna 59-21 in a decisive match on November 29, 2025, at Moreau Catholic High School in Hayward. The Dragons, who began their season with a 1-3 record, showcased their resilience and talent, culminating in their first championship win in seven years.
The victory was marked by a stunning performance from junior running back Lamar Ellis, who rushed for 186 yards and scored five touchdowns. Ellis ignited the Dragons early, achieving three touchdowns in the first quarter alone, helping O’Dowd build a strong lead of 21-7.
“I’m feeling great,” Ellis stated after the game. “We got the win as a team. We came a long way. We were doubted at the start. Started off 1-3, and now look at us.”
Despite being the fourth seed, Fortuna fought back, narrowing the gap to 31-21 in the third quarter with a 93-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Michael Shaw. However, O’Dowd’s defense held strong, leading to Ellis extending the lead to 38-21 just seconds later.
Head coach Hardy Nickerson praised Ellis, saying, “He’s as good as I’ve seen… just a fantastic player.” Nickerson’s strategic leadership was evident as the Dragons executed their plays effectively, with quarterback Christian Cermenelli-Johnson and wide receiver Bryan Edwards also contributing significantly to the win.
Cermenelli-Johnson, a junior, threw for 116 yards and rushed for 58 yards. Edwards not only caught a touchdown pass but also electrified the crowd with a 60-yard punt return for a touchdown, solidifying O’Dowd’s dominant performance.
The championship celebration was palpable as the Dragons dumped a Gatorade bucket on Nickerson, waving their Dragon flag while hoisting the winner’s trophy high. “We know they’re going to scheme us, but we switch up our plays a little bit,” Edwards explained, emphasizing the team’s adaptability and determination.
With this championship win, the young Dragons, who displayed exceptional teamwork and talent throughout the season, are now poised to compete in the CIF NorCal regionals. The matchups for the next round will be announced tomorrow.
This victory not only marks a significant achievement for Bishop O’Dowd but also serves as a testament to their perseverance, overcoming early-season struggles to emerge as champions. Fans and supporters are encouraged to celebrate this momentous occasion and share the news far and wide.
