UPDATE: In a stunning turnaround, the Bishop O’Dowd Dragons have secured the North Coast Section Division VI title, defeating Fortuna 59-21 late Saturday afternoon at Moreau Catholic High School in Hayward. This victory marks O’Dowd’s first championship win in seven years, completing a remarkable journey from a 1-3 start to glory.
The Dragons celebrated their triumph with a Gatorade shower for head coach Hardy Nickerson, who praised his team’s resilience after a shaky start to the season. “I’m feeling great,” said junior running back Lamar Ellis, who was instrumental in the win, rushing for 186 yards and scoring five touchdowns. “We came a long way. We were doubted at the start.”
Despite a rocky beginning, O’Dowd’s young stars shone brightly. Ellis, who had an explosive first quarter with three touchdowns and over 100 yards, helped establish a commanding 21-7 lead. However, Fortuna, a proud program from 275 miles away, fought back, narrowing the gap to 31-21 with a spectacular 93-yard kickoff return by Michael Shaw to start the second half.
O’Dowd responded swiftly, with Ellis showcasing his talent on a 59-yard run that set up another touchdown just a minute into the third quarter. Coach Nickerson praised Ellis for his consistent performance, stating, “He’s just unbelievable. He’s as good as I’ve seen.”
As the game progressed, O’Dowd continued to dominate. After halting Fortuna’s momentum with a crucial fourth-down stop, they quickly scored again, extending their lead to 45-21 with less than seven minutes left in the third quarter. Quarterback Christian Cermenelli-Johnson contributed significantly, throwing for 116 yards and executing key plays that kept the pressure on Fortuna.
The excitement peaked when sophomore Bryan Edwards electrified the crowd with a 60-yard punt return touchdown, further solidifying O’Dowd’s lead. Edwards, who also caught a touchdown pass and contributed with a rushing score, was hailed by Nickerson as a game-changer, living up to his nickname, “cheat code.”
Looking ahead, the young Bishop O’Dowd team, now sporting a record of 9-4, prepares for the CIF NorCal regionals. Matchups will be announced on Sunday, and the Dragons are eager to continue their winning momentum.
This championship victory not only cements O’Dowd’s legacy but also showcases the potential of their talented roster, setting the stage for a promising future. Fans and supporters are already buzzing about what’s next for this dynamic team.
