UPDATE: Bishop O’Dowd has clinched the North Coast Section Division VI championship, decisively defeating Fortuna 59-21 at Moreau Catholic High School on November 29, 2025. This victory marks a triumphant return to glory for the Dragons, who started the season with a shaky 1-3 record.
In a thrilling display of athletic prowess, the Dragons celebrated their first championship in seven years by pouring Gatorade over head coach Hardy Nickerson and hoisting the winner’s trophy high. “We came a long way. We were doubted at the start,” junior running back Lamar Ellis stated, reflecting on their journey to success.
Ellis was the standout star of the game, rushing for an impressive 186 yards and scoring five touchdowns on just 16 carries. He dominated early, racking up three TDs in the first quarter alone, helping O’Dowd secure a 21-7 lead.
Despite being the fourth seed, Fortuna pushed back, closing the gap to 31-21 with a 93-yard touchdown return from Michael Shaw to open the second half. However, O’Dowd responded immediately. On the very first play after Fortuna’s score, Ellis executed a stunning 59-yard run, quickly restoring their momentum and scoring again less than a minute into the third quarter.
“Unbelievable,” Nickerson praised Ellis. “He’s as good as I’ve seen. He just does it all.” The momentum swung decisively back to O’Dowd, who later extended their lead to 45-21 with a quick series of plays, culminating in a 24-yard touchdown pass from Christian Cermenelli-Johnson to Bryan Edwards.
Edwards showcased his explosive speed, scoring a touchdown on a 60-yard punt return, further emphasizing O’Dowd’s dominance. “We switch up our plays a little bit, give them different looks, and they can’t stop us,” Edwards explained.
With this victory, O’Dowd concludes its season at 9-4 and looks ahead to the CIF NorCal regionals, with matchups to be announced soon. The young squad, featuring several standout juniors, including Cermenelli-Johnson and Ellis, is poised for future success.
This championship win not only highlights the resilience of the Dragons but also serves as a reminder of the power of teamwork and determination. As they prepare for their next challenge, the community rallies behind them, celebrating their remarkable journey from doubt to triumph.
