For the Bakersfield College football team, this season has been one of disappointment.
The Renegades ended the season with a record of 4-6 overall and 3-3 in the Northern National Conference, which is only the second losing season in 22 years for the Renegades.
“Certainly we’re pretty frustrated and disappointed that we’re not playing anymore,” offensive coordinator Carl Dean said. “At the same time, we’re proud of our kids because even though they knew they weren’t going to have a chance to move on and play in the state playoffs, they competed and practiced hard.”
Dean explained how the Renegades failed to make the plays that they needed to make this season.
“We struggled at times to make plays when we needed to. We turned the ball over a few too many times. When we have a chance to make a big play, we have to make it,” Dean said. “When you’ve got a chance to keep a drive alive, you can’t turn the ball over.”
Dean felt that the strengths of the team this season were the offensive line and the running game.
Head coach Jeff Chudy feels that this year wasn’t necessarily considered an “off year” for his team.
“Off years happen when there is a talent shortage. I don’t think we had a lack of talent. It was a lack of execution at critical times that cost us,” Chudy said.
The Renegades ended their season Nov. 15 by losing 22-8 to College of the Canyons, a team that averaged 48 points a game.
“The last game is very indicative of how our season went. We had a couple of opportunities. I thought we played better defensively,” Chudy said. “We missed a couple of passes where, if we connect on them, they are touchdowns.”
In the season ending loss to Canyons, sophomore running back Bruce Frieson, who finished his BC career ranked third on BC’s career rushing list, had 18 carries for 109 yards and a touchdown.
Chudy felt that his team was competitive for most of the season, but he echoed what Dean said about the team not making enough plays to be successful.
“We didn’t make plays at the times we need to make plays. That’s why we ended up where we ended up,” said Chudy.
The playoffs aren’t the only thing that the Renegades will be missing. The Renegades also won’t be in their own bowl game partially because they don’t have at least a 500 record. The Golden Empire Bowl is a bowl game that the Renegades have been in every year since the game’s inception.
Cerritos College and Palomar College have been selected to participate in this year’s Golden Empire Bowl.
Dean said the Renegades are disappointed not to be in the Golden Empire Bowl.
“It’s disappointing that we’re not there. We want to be there. Wes Bradford does a great job of putting that bowl game on,” said Dean. “I think Cerritos and Palomar will have a great experience. I hope the community comes out and supports it.”
The Golden Empire Bowl will be held at Bakersfield College’s Memorial Stadium on Nov. 22 at 3 p.m.