BREAKING: Bishop O’Dowd has triumphed in a thrilling display, defeating Fortuna 59-21 to secure the North Coast Section Division VI championship on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Moreau Catholic High School in Hayward. This victory marks O’Dowd’s first championship title in seven years, capping off a remarkable turnaround from a rocky start to the season.
The Dragons, who began the season with a challenging 1-3 record, faced numerous obstacles, including a mid-season setback against James Logan. However, all doubts were erased as the team celebrated with joy, showering head coach Hardy Nickerson with Gatorade in a euphoric post-game ritual.
Lamar Ellis played a pivotal role in the victory, rushing for an astounding 186 yards and scoring five touchdowns on just 16 carries. His explosive performance included three touchdowns in the first quarter, establishing a commanding lead of 21-7 early in the game.
“I’m feeling great,” said Ellis, reflecting on the team’s journey. “We got the win as a team. We came a long way. We were doubted at the start. Started off 1-3, and now look at us.”
Despite the lopsided score, Fortuna made a spirited effort, narrowing the gap to 31-21 with a 93-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Michael Shaw to open the second half. However, O’Dowd responded immediately, with Ellis showcasing his talent on a 59-yard run that set up another touchdown just **59 seconds** into the third quarter.
“Unbelievable,” Nickerson praised Ellis. “He’s done it every week. Just a fantastic player.”
As the game progressed, O’Dowd continued to assert its dominance. A fourth-down stop followed by a quick touchdown drive—highlighted by a 24-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Christian Cermenelli-Johnson to Bryan Edwards—extended the lead to 45-21 with under seven minutes remaining in the third quarter.
Edwards, known for his electrifying play, also scored on a 60-yard punt return, further sealing the victory. “Even though we had Thanksgiving, we still came, showed out, balled out,” he said confidently. “We’re too good.”
With this monumental win, O’Dowd improves to 9-4 overall, and the young team, filled with talent including Ellis and Cermenelli-Johnson, is poised for further challenges ahead.
The next hurdle for the Dragons will be the CIF NorCal regionals, with matchups expected to be announced soon. As they prepare for the next stage, anticipation builds for what this resilient team can achieve.
Stay tuned for more updates on Bishop O’Dowd’s journey as they aim for continued success in this championship season.
