The next chapter of Orrick High School football will be written by someone who once carried the water bottles and wore the jersey under the Friday night lights.

Matthew O’Dell, a 2009 graduate of Orrick and two-time state champion, has been named the new head football coach, returning to lead the program that shaped his youth. For O’Dell, it’s more than just a coaching job – it’s a calling rooted in community, family and the love of the game.

“I grew up in Orrick, where my mom was a history teacher and cheer coach at Orrick High School,” said O’Dell. “I was your typical teacher’s kid growing up in a small school where everyone knew me as Mrs. O’Dell’s son.”

Long before he was calling plays, O’Dell was riding the team bus as a waterboy and dreaming of being part of the program that would eventually define his high school years. As a threeyear starter under legendary coach Pat Richard, he helped lead the Bearcats to back-to-back Class 1 state championships in 2007 and 2008.

“My favorite memo…