The Bakersfield College football program has a consistent reputation for preparing players for four-year college competition.
The 2006 team had some impressive talent and higher division scouts noticed as eight Renegades are moving up to the next level.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Renegades assaulted opposing defenses for 418 points and racked up 4,674 total yards.
Not only was the BC offense potent on the ground, but it dazzled crowds with an aerial attack led by sophomore quarterback Cody Stone.
Stone, a graduate from North High and a transfer from Northern Colorado University, took over the helm during the fifth game of the season against College of the Canyons, on Sept. 30.
As a starter for BC, Stone recorded a 7-1 record and led the ‘Gades to the Southern California Regional Championship game against the El Camino Warriors.
“We are real proud of him,” said Carl Dean, BC offensive coach. “He did what we asked him to do in order to win, protect the ball and make the plays.”
Stone will continue his collegiate career at Southern Utah University as will BC lineman Richard Giannelli.
For a quarterback to be effective and make game-winning plays there has to be a supporting cast around him.
Stone had a wealth of support this season with speedy running backs and receivers.
“We had a lot of speed at the wide receiver position,” Dean said. “There are three or four guys that have 4.4 -4.5 marks in the 40-yard dash.
One of those guys is second-team All-American receiver T.J. Lee.
Lee, a sophomore from North Carolina, made some unbelievable catches in key situations that sparked the ‘Gades to victory. He led all BC receivers with 57 catches (a single-season record) for 1, 063 yards and was named to the Western State Conference first-team. Lee was also dangerous as a return man on special teams and fun to watch on end-around and misdirection plays. He scored 10 touchdowns this season (one was a punt return).
Lee will continue his football career at East Carolina University.
In order to be effective with the pass, “an offense must establish a running game,” so the saying goes.
Leading the ‘Gades in rushing this season was WSC offensive player of the year J.R. Rogers. Rogers carried the ball 241 times for 1,179 yards; approximately 1,424 in all purpose yards. The elusive back from North Carolina ends his career at BC with 2,162 rushing yards and is fourth on BC’s all-time list.
The honorable mention All-American also has 14 touchdowns to his credit (12 rushing, one receiving, and one returned punt.)
Rogers will join Lee as a Pirate at East Carolina.
Without the “big boys” up front, the offensive line, none of these statistics would be possible.
Issac Quiroz, a 6-foot, 305 pound sophomore center from Foothill was named to the WSC second team.
Quiroz will continue on the offensive line for Concordia University.
“We all gelled and came together as a team as the season progressed,” Stone said. “Quiroz and Cornelson were great team leaders; they encouraged us in practice and in the games.”
The Renegade defense, led by sophomore inside linebacker Curtis Cornelson, was a force to be reckoned with in the 2006 season. It was the defense that turned several contests around for the ‘Gades by forcing the opposing offenses to cough up the ball.
Cornelson, who wreaked havoc on opponents all season, received some prestigious awards for his efforts. He was named as first-team All-American by the JC Grid-Wire and selected as WSC Defensive Player of the Year. Cornelson and Rogers as well as defensive lineman Ron Jones were named to the All-Region III team by the California Community College Football Coaches Association and JC Athletic Bureau.
Cornelson will be playing for the Colorado State University Rams in 2007.
Brian Putman, defensive back for BC, earned All-WSC honors. Putman was responsible for several key interceptions during the 2006 season and made a spectacular 62-yard touchdown run on a faked punt against the Ventura Pirates.
Putman will be playing for Minnesota State.
Teddy Dellaganna, kicker for the ‘Gades, has decided to play for Rutgers University, as he is one of the highest-rated prospects in the country.