BREAKING: Bishop O’Dowd has just clinched the CIF 5-AA NorCal Championship with a nail-biting 23-20 victory over Chico on October 27, 2023. This marks a remarkable achievement for the Dragons, who traveled nearly three hours to compete in this high-stakes game.
The O’Dowd Dragons showcased their resilience throughout the match, culminating in a crucial defensive stand in the final moments. With just 90 seconds left on the clock, they sacked Chico’s quarterback, John Bernardez, on fourth down, securing their win and the regional title.
Junior running back Lamar Ellis was a standout performer, scoring two touchdowns and continuing his impressive streak after a five-touchdown game last week. His 17-yard run opened the scoring, giving O’Dowd an early 6-0 lead, although a blocked extra point kept them from extending the advantage.
Chico responded swiftly, taking a 7-6 lead after a touchdown pass to Jake Detmer. However, the Dragons regained the lead at halftime thanks to Zach Brien’s 24-yard field goal, which put O’Dowd ahead 9-7 as time expired in the second quarter.
The second half saw dramatic shifts. Chico scored on its first possession, but O’Dowd struck back immediately with a stunning 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Trevor Erickson, reclaiming the lead at 16-14.
As the fourth quarter unfolded, Ellis delivered a jaw-dropping run that stretched O’Dowd’s lead to 23-14. Chico narrowed the score to 23-20 with Bernardez’s 7-yard keeper, but a blocked PAT left them trailing.
With just over two minutes remaining, Chico attempted a comeback but was halted by O’Dowd’s defense, who executed a pivotal fourth-down sack to seal the victory.
This triumph not only secures O’Dowd’s position as NorCal champions but also sets the stage for their next challenge. The Dragons look ahead to a state championship showdown against Christian-El Cajon, aiming to replicate the success of their 2016 championship team.
The excitement surrounding O’Dowd’s victory is palpable, as fans and players alike celebrate this hard-fought win. The Dragons, now boasting a record of 10-4, are poised for another shot at glory in Southern California next week.
Stay tuned for updates as O’Dowd prepares for their state title quest, promising more thrilling action ahead!
