UPDATE: Bishop O’Dowd has just secured the NCS Division VI championship with a stunning 59-21 victory over Fortuna at Moreau Catholic High on November 29, 2025. This remarkable win marks O’Dowd’s first championship title in seven years, bringing significant triumph after a rocky start to the season.
The Dragons began their season with a challenging 1-3 record and faced setbacks, including a crucial loss to James Logan. However, they overcame early doubts and proved their resilience on the field, culminating in a celebratory scene where players doused coach Hardy Nickerson in Gatorade.
Leading the charge was junior running back Lamar Ellis, who rushed for an impressive 186 yards and scored five touchdowns on just 16 carries. Ellis’s explosive performance included three touchdowns in the first quarter, propelling O’Dowd to a strong 21-7 lead.
Despite a spirited effort from Fortuna, which is located 275 miles away, O’Dowd maintained control. Fortuna narrowed the gap to 31-21 with a 93-yard kickoff return by Michael Shaw to start the second half, but the Dragons responded swiftly. Ellis showcased his agility with a 59-yard run on the first play of the ensuing drive, leading to another touchdown just 59 seconds into the third quarter.
“Unbelievable,” Nickerson praised Ellis. “He’s done it every week. Just a fantastic player. He finds the right hole and has the acceleration and power to run through tackles. He just does it all.”
As the game progressed, the Dragons continued to dominate. A fourth-down stop allowed O’Dowd to extend their lead to 45-21, thanks to a quick 48-yard drive featuring a 24-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Christian Cermenelli-Johnson to Bryan Edwards. Edwards further electrified the crowd with a 60-yard punt return for a touchdown, showcasing his exceptional speed and agility.
Edwards, who also contributed a touchdown pass and a rushing score, attributed the team’s success to their rigorous preparation, even during the Thanksgiving holiday. “We know they’re going to scheme us, but we switch up our plays and give them different looks,” he said. “We’re too good.”
Bishop O’Dowd, now boasting a 9-4 record, looks ahead to the CIF NorCal regionals, with matchups set to be announced soon. This young team, featuring standout players like Ellis, Cermenelli-Johnson, and linebacker OC Lehner, is poised for future success, proving they can overcome adversity and achieve greatness on the field.
With the championship victory, the Dragons have not only celebrated their current achievement but also set the stage for an exciting future in high school football.
