UPDATE: Bishop O’Dowd has just captured the CIF 5-AA NorCal championship with a thrilling 23-20 victory over Chico on Friday night. This hard-fought win marks a significant achievement for the Dragons, who traveled nearly three hours to compete in this decisive regional showdown.
The game reached a dramatic climax in the final 90 seconds when O’Dowd’s defense executed a crucial fourth-down sack on Chico quarterback John Bernardez, securing their victory and allowing the team to breathe a sigh of relief. With this win, O’Dowd (10-4) has set its sights on the state championship, aiming to replicate the success of their 2016 team.
Junior running back Lamar Ellis was once again a standout star, contributing two touchdowns to the scoreboard. His electrifying 17-yard run in the first quarter initially gave O’Dowd a 6-0 lead. Although Chico quickly responded with a touchdown pass, the Dragons maintained their composure and took a 9-7 lead into halftime thanks to Zach Brien’s 24-yard field goal as time expired.
The second half saw a flurry of action as Chico surged ahead with a touchdown, but O’Dowd answered back almost immediately. A spectacular 95-yard kickoff return by Trevor Erickson put O’Dowd back on top at 16-14. The game was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams exhibiting resilience and determination.
Ellis showcased his skills with a jaw-dropping run that pushed O’Dowd’s lead to 23-14. Although Chico’s Bernardez managed to score again with a short run, the Dragons’ defense rose to the occasion, blocking a crucial point-after attempt and ultimately halting Chico’s final drive.
As the excitement builds, O’Dowd prepares for its next challenge against Christian-El Cajon in Southern California, where they will vie for the state championship title. The momentum from this thrilling victory could prove pivotal as they seek to make history once again.
This victory resonates deeply within the O’Dowd community, reminding fans of their past triumphs and fueling hopes for another title run. The Dragons are poised for greatness, and their journey continues next week.
Stay tuned for updates as O’Dowd heads into the state championship, where they aim to secure their second state title in program history.
