BREAKING: Bishop O’Dowd has claimed the CIF 5-AA NorCal title with a nail-biting 23-20 victory over Chico, just announced late Friday night in a game filled with drama and resilience. After a near three-hour journey to Chico, O’Dowd’s defense delivered a game-winning fourth-down sack in the final moments.
The Dragons, now boasting a record of 10-4, showcased their determination as junior running back Lamar Ellis shone with standout plays, scoring two touchdowns and energizing his team in the face of fierce competition. O’Dowd’s victory marks a significant achievement, mirroring the success of their 2016 championship team.
The game, held in Chico, California, saw O’Dowd taking an early lead when Ellis sprinted for a 17-yard touchdown. However, a blocked PAT left them ahead only 6-0. Chico quickly retaliated, with a touchdown pass to Jake Detmer, putting them in the lead at 7-6.
Despite a resilient performance, O’Dowd’s offense faced hurdles, including a crucial timeout that stalled a promising drive. The teams battled fiercely, with O’Dowd blocking a 28-yard field goal attempt just before halftime, allowing them to regain a slim lead at 9-7 thanks to Zach Brien‘s 24-yard field goal.
The tension escalated in the second half; Chico surged back with a touchdown from quarterback John Bernardez, who fumbled as he crossed the goal line, yet still scored at 14-9. O’Dowd answered dramatically, as Trevor Erickson returned the ensuing kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown, pulling ahead 16-14.
Ellis continued to dazzle with a sensational run, evading defenders to score again, extending O’Dowd’s lead to 23-14. Chico narrowed the gap with another touchdown from Bernardez, making it 23-20, but their comeback hopes were dashed when O’Dowd’s defense stepped up for a game-ending sack.
As anticipation builds for the next challenge, O’Dowd will face Christian-El Cajon next week, aiming for their second state championship. The Dragons’ journey reflects not only their skill but their heart, making them a team to watch as they pursue glory on the big stage.
Stay tuned for more updates as O’Dowd prepares for their critical matchup, and celebrate their electrifying victory that has sparked excitement among fans and players alike!
