UPDATE: In a nail-biting finish, Bishop O’Dowd clinched the 5-AA NorCal title with a dramatic 23-20 victory over Chico on Friday night. The Dragons, who traveled nearly three hours to the game, demonstrated grit and determination, ultimately sealing the win with a crucial fourth-down sack against Chico’s quarterback John Bernardez in the final moments.
This championship win marks Bishop O’Dowd’s return to glory, as they now set their sights on capturing a state title next week against Christian-El Cajon. The Dragons’ performance was electrifying, led by junior running back Lamar Ellis, who scored two touchdowns and showcased remarkable skill throughout the game.
The action-packed showdown unfolded at Chico’s home field, where O’Dowd faced a relentless challenge. Early in the first quarter, Ellis put O’Dowd on the board first with a 17-yard touchdown run, giving them a 6-0 lead. The extra point attempt was blocked, but the momentum shifted as Chico responded with a touchdown pass to Jake Detmer, taking a narrow 7-6 lead.
O’Dowd appeared poised to regain control when fullback OC Lehner scored a potential touchdown, but a timeout disrupted the play. Ellis then struggled at the line, keeping Chico ahead. The home team threatened to extend their lead but was thwarted by an impressive block on a 28-yard field goal attempt, leaving the score at 7-6 until halftime.
As the clock ticked down, Zach Brien kicked a 24-yard field goal as time expired, allowing O’Dowd to take a slim 9-7 lead into the locker room. The second half began with Chico driving down the field, resulting in a touchdown from Bernardez, which briefly put them ahead at 14-9.
However, the Dragons quickly responded. Trevor Erickson electrified the crowd with a stunning 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, flipping the score back to 16-14. The intensity heightened as both teams battled fiercely, with O’Dowd’s defense holding strong against Chico’s advances.
In a defining moment, Ellis executed a jaw-dropping run, weaving through defenders for a touchdown that extended O’Dowd’s lead to 23-14. With just over five minutes left, Bernardez scored again, narrowing the gap to 23-20 after a blocked PAT. The stakes soared as Chico regained possession, but O’Dowd’s defense stepped up, culminating in a critical fourth-down sack that dashed Chico’s hopes.
With this victory, Bishop O’Dowd (10-4) is now one step closer to replicating their 2016 state championship success. Fans are eagerly awaiting the showdown against Christian-El Cajon next week, where the Dragons will aim to make history once again.
Stay tuned for updates as O’Dowd prepares for the state finals, promising to be an electrifying encounter that fans won’t want to miss!
