Mission Viejo, CA – In a nail-biting finale to the 2024 football season, the Bakersfield College Renegades narrowly fell to the Saddleback College Bobcats in a 48-45 shootout at Saddleback Stadium on Tuesday afternoon. Despite a late rally, the Renegades came up just three points short, ending their season on a bittersweet note.

The Renegades struck first, with quarterback Malachi Statler finding Devon Sundgren for a 10-yard touchdown early in the first quarter. Saddleback quickly responded with a 2-yard run, setting the tone for a high-scoring affair.

In the second quarter, Saddleback's offense took control with touchdowns, but BC stayed in the fight. Carlos Villa added a 33-yard field goal, and Jalen Hankins powered in a 1-yard rushing touchdown, though a missed extra point kept the Renegades chasing. By halftime, the Bobcats led 28-16 in the closing seconds.

SBC seemed to pull away in the third quarter. But Bakersfield roared back with two touchdowns and two successful two-point conversions. A 23-yard catch-and-run by Jalen Richmond and a 1-yard plunge by Ja'Daniels Nettles pulled the Renegades within three points.

Saddleback delivered a gut punch at the end of the quarter with a 97-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, pushing the lead to 42-32.

The fourth quarter saw BC's defense stiffen, limiting SBC to just six points. On offense, Hankins and Mekhi Smith both found the end zone to keep the Renegades in striking distance. With just over four minutes left, Smith's 24-yard touchdown grab brought the score to 48-45.

Bakersfield's defense forced a late punt, giving the Renegades one last chance. However, the Bobcat's defense held firm, sealing the victory.

The Renegades finished their season 6-5 in the Patriotic Bowl Game. Below are several conference awards for which BC finished the regular season.