There were many fans that came to cheer at the homecoming football game against the Portland State Vikings on Saturday. The attendance for the game totaled 8,437 fans.

During the second half of the game a group of alumni cheered for sophomore running back Bryan Hilliard and held up signs that said “Hilliard up the Middle.” This group got most of the Hornet fans to chant that phrase loud and proud until the end of the game.

The creators of the signs were David LeBoeuf and Rob Kenner from the Tau Kappa Epsilon Alumni group.

“He was hurt for a few games, so we couldn’t cheer for him. But, once the coach put him in this game we held up the signs and everyone started to chant with us,” said LeBoeuf.

LeBoeuf had a challenging time bringing his signs to the game because there’s a rule at the stadium that no signs are allowed inside. So, LeBoeuf had to sneak them in.

“I waited for a while after I was in the stadium before I brought them out because I didn’t want to be kicked out,” said LeBoeuf.

LeBoeuf said that after the game Hilliard’s uncle approached them and thanked them for cheering on his nephew.

The brother of freshman defensive end Zack Nash was in the crowd cheering him on. Josh Nash was very proud of his brother for being named the Big Sky defensive player of the week in the beginning of September.

“He gives 110 percent and never gives up,” said Josh.

Also in the stands was the family of wide receiver freshman Chase Deadder. His parents David and Barbara thought he was doing great in the game.

“Our favorite play he made was in the first quarter when he caught a (38-yard) pass for a first down,” said David. Deadder’s brother Ryan and soon to be sister Jacqueline were excited to see him play for the first time this season.

“We couldn’t wait to see him play,” said Ryan.

One of the most involved fans in the crowd was Dean Petersen who is part of the Quarterback club, Stinger Athletic Association and the 6th Man club for the Hornet basketball team. At half time, he thought the team was doing good, but still needed some improvement.

“They’re moving the ball good and the defense is playing well besides the two turnovers. The offense is average. They just need to hang on to the ball more and not have as many penalties. It would be nice if they could run the ball too,” said Petersen.

Petersen’s biggest concern was the amount of students that come to the games.

“I would love to see more students in the stands,” said Petersen.

Every game the Hornets seem to attract more and more fans to the stadium and Petersen thinks that if the Hornets keep a good winning streak then more students will come out and watch the game. Senior wide receiver Tony Washington said that the crowd definitely helped pump up the team.

“We need to get the fan base back, but this crowd was better than most,” said Washington.

With the help of the fans cheering the Hornets on, they won 41-31 for their first Big Sky victory of the season.

Taylor Collis can be reached at [email protected].