Chukwuma Odoh Earns Maxwell National High School Honor After Bergen Catholic Upset

By Habari Sports

PARAMUS, N.J. — Paramus Catholic running back Chukwuma Odoh has been named the Maxwell Football Club National High School Player of the Week after rushing for 227 yards and three touchdowns in a 31–17 road victory over Bergen Catholic.

The Penn State commit carried the ball 28 times, averaging 8.1 yards per attempt, as Paramus Catholic defeated its rival on Friday, October 9.

According to the Maxwell Football Club announcement, Bergen Catholic entered the matchup ranked No. 1 in New Jersey, while Paramus Catholic was ranked No. 6.

Three Touchdowns Power the Paladins

Odoh accounted for three of Paramus Catholic’s four touchdowns, providing the offensive production that helped the Paladins overcome a historically difficult opponent.

Bergen Catholic held a 41–5 all-time series advantage entering the game, according to the release. Odoh’s performance helped Paramus Catholic add a significant road win to that rivalry history.

His 227 rushing yards also represented nearly half of the 459 yards he had accumulated entering the matchup.

Breakout Game Builds on Productive Season

Before facing Bergen Catholic, Odoh had recorded 459 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 65 carries, averaging approximately 7.1 yards per attempt.

He had also contributed 11 receptions for 63 yards.

Adding his performance against Bergen Catholic brought his rushing totals to 686 yards and seven touchdowns on 93 carries, an average of approximately 7.4 yards per attempt, based on the figures provided in the announcement.

The Paladins are scheduled to return home to face St. Peter’s Prep on Friday evening in Paramus, according to the release.

Weekly Honor Adds Odoh to National Award Watch List

Each weekly recipient joins the midseason watch list for the Maxwell Football Club National High School Player of the Year Award.

The club says the annual award will be presented for the 25th time in 2026.

Past recipients include Derrick Henry, Trevor Lawrence, Nolan Smith and Bryce Young, placing Odoh’s weekly recognition within an award program that has honored players who later reached the NFL.

The weekly selection recognizes Odoh’s performance against Bergen Catholic; it does not designate him as the annual award winner.

About the Maxwell Football Club

Founded in 1935, the Maxwell Football Club recognizes football achievement at the high school, college and professional levels.

Its community programs also promote academic excellence, financial education, volunteerism and leadership.

For Odoh, the latest recognition follows a performance that combined a heavy workload, explosive rushing production, and three scores in one of Paramus Catholic’s biggest rivalry games.

Source: Maxwell Football Club National High School Player of the Week announcement supplied to Habari Sports.