Bakersfield College is the number-one-ranked junior college football team in the nation and playing like it. In the last two contests the Renegades have outscored their opponents 110-13 and notched a perfect 4-0 start.
“It’s really cool to be number one,” said Seth Damron, BC wide receiver and tight end.
“Whatever we were ranked in high school as far as the Valley was one thing, but to be recognized as the No. 1 team in the country, well, it’s surreal. It will all be meaningless if we lose.”
When the 3-1 Seahawks of Los Angeles Harbor come to town on Saturday, it most assuredly will be a tougher test for the Renegades and scoring may not be as easy.
“L.A. Harbor is on a three-game winning streak,” said Carl Dean, BC offensive coach.
“It will be a game in which we will need to stay focused.”
Against the Huskies of East Los Angeles, the Renegades were focused and didn’t waste any time in proving why they are the best team in the country.
BC scored 17 points in the first quarter and went on to hammer the Huskies 58-7.
Even though the offense did its part in lighting up the scoreboard, it was a punishing defense that forced the Huskies to turn the ball over, which resulted in defensive scores.
“The front guys create a lot of havoc for opposing offenses with a great pass rush,” said Jeff Chudy, BC head coach.
“We have about eight guys that we can rotate in and out, which keeps our line fresh and they can keep the pressure on.”
The BC secondary dominated the East L.A. offense as Dustin Bell returned an interception 35 yards for a touchdown and Keith Thompson returned a pick 34 yards for a touchdown. Jeremy Ramirez also made a huge contribution on defense as he scooped up a fumble and ran 68 yards to the zone for six points.
Behind a solid offensive line led by sophomore Mike Papac, the Renegades assaulted the Huskies through the air and on the ground.
The first score against East L.A. was a 61-yard touchdown strike from Jacob Bower to Attrail Snipes. Bower connected with wide receiver Josh Little on a 16-yard pass in the second half for his second touchdown of the game. The running game was productive for BC as the Reneades rushed for 258 yards and scored two touchdowns on the ground. Also contributing to the victory was kicker Arturo Villa, who nailed field goals of 21, 34 and 38 yards and made all extra point attempts.
“It has been great as the number-one team,” Papac said. “Everything has fallen into place, and we have bonded together as a team. Coach Castro (line coach) has helped the o-line bond as a group.”
Snipes stated that it feels good to be number one because the Renegades have worked hard and have come together as a team.
“It’s like a family environment; we all stick together and we are always focused. All the young guys have filled the spots and have done a good job.”
The Renegades passed the first road test of the season Sept. 15 with flying colors as they traveled to Gardena and stomped the Southwest L.A. Cougars 52-6.
Once again the Renegades showed great balance as they scored quick and often and allowed the opposition only six points. BC out-rushed the Cougars 288-45 yards, out-passed the Cougars 235-67 yards and made 26 first downs while Southwest L.A. could only muster nine.
The next test for BC will be Sept. 29 against the Seahawks of L.A. Harbor at Memorial Stadium at 7 p.m.