UPDATE: In a nail-biting contest, Bishop O’Dowd clinched the CIF 5-AA NorCal title with a dramatic 23-20 victory over Chico on July 14, 2023. After a nearly three-hour journey to the game, the Dragons showcased relentless determination, culminating in a decisive fourth-down sack against Chico quarterback John Bernardez in the final moments.
O’Dowd’s triumph marked a significant achievement, echoing the success of their 2016 championship team. This victory sends the Dragons (10-4) to the state finals next week, where they will face Christian-El Cajon for the coveted title. The excitement is palpable as O’Dowd aims to replicate its previous success.
Junior running back Lamar Ellis continued to shine, scoring two crucial touchdowns. His 17-yard run opened the scoring for O’Dowd, giving them a 6-0 lead in the first quarter. Despite a blocked extra point, the Dragons maintained momentum. Chico responded quickly, taking a 7-6 lead with a touchdown pass to Jake Detmer.
The game was a back-and-forth battle. O’Dowd briefly regained the lead with a run from fullback OC Lehner, but a timeout disrupted their momentum. Chico capitalized, driving down the field before stalling, resulting in a blocked field goal attempt that kept the score tight at 7-6 at halftime.
As the second half unfolded, Chico executed an impressive 80-yard drive that concluded with a touchdown by Bernardez, pushing the score to 14-9. However, O’Dowd quickly struck back, with Trevor Erickson returning the kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown, swinging the lead back to the Dragons at 16-14.
O’Dowd’s defense played a pivotal role throughout the game, including a critical fumble recovery at the 1-yard line that preserved their lead. Ellis then electrified the crowd with a remarkable touchdown run that extended the lead to 23-14, showcasing his elite agility and speed.
Chico fought back, with Bernardez’s 7-yard keeper narrowing the gap to 23-20 with just over five minutes remaining. However, a critical blocked PAT kept the game within reach for O’Dowd. The momentum shifted again when Chico regained possession with just over two minutes left, but O’Dowd’s defense held firm, sealing the victory with a fourth-down sack.
With this hard-fought win, the Dragons not only secure the NorCal title but also ignite hopes of adding a state championship to their legacy. Fans are eagerly anticipating next week’s showdown, marking a significant moment in O’Dowd’s storied football history.
Stay tuned for updates as O’Dowd prepares for this exciting championship matchup!
