CANTON – Columbus Bishop Watterson is a back-to-back state champion after defeating Toledo Central Catholic 30-0, in the Division III state championship game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
Bishop Watterson (14-0) was making its third consecutive state championship appearance and its eighth overall appearance. The Eagles won state titles in 2024, 2010 and 2002 and were runners-up in 2023, 2001, 1999 and 1972.
Central Catholic (11-5) finished runner-up for the second consecutive season and its third runner-up overall (2015). The Fighting Irish won titles in 2023, 2022, 2014, 2012 and 2005.
After forcing an opening drive punt, Bishop Watterson went on an eight-play 90-yard scoring drive that was capped off by a 1-yard rushing touchdown from Jack McCoy. Quarterback Drew Bellisari was a perfect 3-for-3 for 82 yards on the opening drive with completions of 30 and 35 yards to Nate Henderson and Caden Mangini, respectively.
Bishop Watterson forced another punt and was set-up on the Central Catholic 31-yard line after Henderson broke off a 39-yard punt return. The Eagles found the end zone for the second time with a 5-yard passing touchdown from Drew Bellisari to Joe Hayes with 3:43 remaining in the first quarter.
After a turnover on downs sandwiched by a series of punts, Central Catholic was able to intercept Drew Bellisari twice, the first by Jerome Davis V at the Central Catholic 25-yard line and the second by Keyon Robinson at the Central Catholic 18-yard line. The Fighting Irish were not able to capitalize on the turnovers and punted to Bishop Watterson with 1:10 left in the half.
Bishop Watterson drove 56 yards in 53 seconds to set-up Eli Eagen for a 28-yard field goal which gave the Eagles a 17-0 lead going into half.
Bishop Watterson received the second half kickoff and on the first play Drew Bellisari completed a 45-yard pass to Carter Bellisari that put the Eagles at the 10-yard line. A holding penalty brought up a 3rd and goal from the 18-yard line when Davis V picked off Drew Bellisari for the second time.
Central Catholic put together their best drive of the game to get to midfield but turned it over on downs which set up Bishop Watterson to go on a 7-play, 47-yard scoring drive in which McCoy scored his second rushing touchdown, this time from 13 yards out with 3:07 to play in the third quarter.
Four of the next five drives ended in interceptions with Central Catholic quarterback Ali Beydoun being intercepted three times and Bishop Watterson’s Drew Bellisari once. The final Beydoun interception was returned for a touchdown by Carter Bellisari from 35 yards out.
Beydoun finished 14-for-36 for 150 yards while Jeremiah Fuller led Central Catholic in rushing with 34 yards on 12 carries.
Drew Bellisari completed 13 of 22 passes for 250 yards and one touchdown while also leading Bishop Watterson in rushing with 39 yards on 14 attempts.
Defensively, Bishop Watterson was led by Kaden Jones with nine tackles and Michael Boyle with six tackles, a pass break-up and three QB hits. The Eagles forced four turnovers.
Central Catholic was led by Keyon Robinson who had nine tackles and an interception. Zenaje Liggons added three tackles, one-half sack and an interception.
Bishop Watterson outgained Central Catholic 348-179.