(The Picket) – Ram fans cheered their team to victory Saturday in a completely packed stadium, with 6,496 people who were officially checked through the gate.
It was an atmosphere unlike any other in the National Semifinal game. Looking into the stands was like looking into an ocean of screaming blue and gold. Fans were overjoyed that Shepherd was able to host the game, many saying that this is a turning point for Shepherd University football.
Enthusiastic fan leading the wave that circled the home stands.
“It is so awesome that we can have the game here. No one really expected it to be at home since Grand Valley’s stadium is so much bigger,” said Shannon McIntyre, a girlfriend of a Rams player.
Gary Crawford traveled two hours from Deale, Maryland, to watch the game. “It was a great atmosphere and a beautiful day for a football game,” he said.
Grand Valley State University traveled with an army of fans, including their band and cheerleaders who filled the visitor’s side with ease. The Grand Valley band’s ability to made jaws drop on the Shepherd sidelines was outstanding, and Shepherd’s athletic talent dropped the jaws of the Laker’s sideline.
Ram band and Laker band playing together at half time.
The wave circled the home team stands more times than anyone could count, and fans couldn’t help but stay on their feet.
Fans were vocal when it came to calls they were not happy with as the score tightened and the lead changed hands. The colorful language coming from the stands was enough to turn many heads and have children looking at their parents in confusion.
Shepherd fans dancing out their joy when Shepherd scored a touchdown.
Uproar came from each side, when both Shepherd and Grand Valley took their turns blocking the extra point from their opponent’s touchdowns.
Whether it was cheers for their team or songs from their band, Grand Valley always seemed to counter back Shepherd’s noise level to make for one crazy game.
Ram fans chanted “Kansas City, Kansas City” as the clock ran down and were more than ecstatic to be the first to congratulate their Rams football team on making it to the National Championship.