Eagles defense dominates in 30-0 victory, completing second straight undefeated season with back-to-back state championships.
Published: Dec. 05, 2025, 6:13 p.m.CANTON, Ohio — Columbus Bishop Watterson captured its second consecutive OHSAA Division III state championship with a 30-0 victory over Toledo Central Catholic at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium on Friday, capping a perfect 14-0 season and a two-year undefeated run.
The Eagles dominated from the start, outgaining the Irish 199-68 in the first half and building a 17-0 halftime advantage. Despite quarterback Drew Bellisari throwing four interceptions, Watterson’s defense compensated by picking off Central Catholic quarterback Ali Beyound three times and limiting the Irish offense throughout the game. The matchup marked the third consecutive year the two programs met for the Division III title. Watterson now holds a 2-1 advantage in the series after defeating Central Catholic 19-14 last season. The Irish had won the 2023 meeting 27-7. Jack McCoy led the Eagles’ ground attack with two rushing touchdowns, scoring on runs of 1 and 13 yards. Bellisari completed 13 of 22 passes for 250 yards and one touchdown despite the turnovers, while also rushing for 39 yards on 14 carries. He connected with Joe Hayes on a 5-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter. Carter Bellisari provided the game’s final score with a 35-yard interception return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. Eli Eagan added a 28-yard field goal before halftime. Nate Henderson caught three passes for 81 yards for Watterson, while Caden Mangini added two receptions for 51 yards. Central Catholic finished the season 11-5 after reaching the state final following an 0-3 start. Beyound completed 14 of 36 passes for 150 yards. Jeremiah Fuller rushed for 34 yards on 12 carries, while Victor Singleton Jr. and Preston Fryzel each caught five passes for 57 and 45 yards, respectively.
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