Their cheers could be heard from on top of the stands while they held up a sign that read, “SHOW ‘EM WHAT YOU GOT RENEGADES #45”, which is Linebaker Daron Mackey’s number.
“We go to every game; I don’t miss a game,” said Karon Mackey, Daron Mackey’s mother. “There were less people before playoffs. Today there is a good support group. There are more people here today then there’s ever been.”
Families like those of Daron Mackey are great examples of true fans. Not only have they been to every game at home and away, but they also go to support all of the players.
“I’m here to support Daron, ever since he was at West High I’ve been going to his games. We’re here for the other boys, too. They’re all my babies,” said Karon Mackey, laughing in excitement.
The Bakersfield College Renegades football team has won 10 consecutive games, and the crowd numbers have increased. There were 3,348 people in attendance at Saturday’s game against Citrus College.
“The team has had its ups and downs, but I don’t think people were expecting them to make it into the playoffs,” said Mackey. “With my babies they’re going all the way!”
This wasn’t the only family out there, but they were definitely one of the most vibrant. The crowd was full of people. Every time a touchdown was made, the air became a little hazy on account of the large amounts of confetti falling from above.
“More people started showing up when they realized they were actually good,” said Andrea Jackson, a criminal justice major at BC. “That’s why more people started coming out.”
The game was so exciting that people couldn’t even bring themselves to go to the bathroom. Every person was scared they’d miss something. They were running back and forth inquiring about the cheers they had missed.
The third quarter was by far the most exciting when J.R. Rogers made a 45-yard run for a touchdown. And just about a minute later Brandon Banks had a 63-yard punt return for another touchdown.
Cannons boomed and foghorns went off during the game, and it will all happen again this Saturday when BC hosts Grossmont in a second round playoff game.