Odoh’s 301-Yard Surge Sends Paramus Catholic to State Final
UPDATE: In a stunning display of athleticism, Chukwuma Odoh rushed for 301 yards and scored three touchdowns to propel Paramus Catholic to a 50-30 victory over Red Bank Catholic in the NJSIAA Non-Public B semifinals on November 17, 2023. This marks Paramus Catholic’s first trip to the state final since 2016.
Odoh’s explosive performance, which included runs of 7, 1, and 36 yards, helped secure their spot in the championship game against top-seeded DePaul, who defeated Holy Spirit 49-22 in the other semifinal. The Paladins’ ground game dominated with a total of 382 yards, showcasing Odoh’s impressive speed and power.
“It feels exciting. This is what I came here for,” Odoh expressed after the game, clearly thrilled about the opportunity to compete for a state title.
The game began with Paramus Catholic taking an early lead, thanks to a 37-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Rowan Martin to junior receiver Nehki Martin. Red Bank Catholic quickly responded, tying the game before Odoh began his relentless assault on their defense.
Despite battling a loose shoelace that momentarily hindered him, Odoh broke a remarkable 63-yard run late in the first half, setting up a touchdown that extended their lead to 21-17 just before halftime. After a missed field goal attempt by RBC at the start of the third quarter, Odoh struck again with a 58-yard run, leading to another touchdown that heightened the Paladins’ advantage to 28-17.
Paramus Catholic’s defense held strong, preventing RBC from gaining momentum and forcing them to go three-and-out. Odoh’s dazzling 36-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter solidified their commanding lead at 35-17.
“We’ve been preaching all year a next-play mentality,” Odoh said, highlighting the team’s resilience and determination. The Paladins not only showcased offensive prowess but also displayed defensive excellence, particularly when senior free safety Aiden Acevedo secured a 50-yard interception return for a touchdown, capping off their scoring at 50-24.
Paramus Catholic head coach Greg Russo, who has transformed the program since taking over four years ago, reflected on the significance of this victory, stating, “These seniors came into this program when we hadn’t won a game in two years…to be going to MetLife, it’s a massive thing for them.”
This victory not only marks a remarkable turnaround for Paramus Catholic but also sets the stage for an exciting championship game at MetLife Stadium. Fans eagerly await the showdown against DePaul, where Odoh and the Paladins will strive to clinch their first state title in over seven years.
As the excitement builds, stay tuned for more updates and reactions leading up to the championship. This thrilling semifinal win has ignited the hopes of a community eager to see Paramus Catholic return to glory.
