The Dunkirk Marauders brought a whole city – darn near literally.ORCHARD PARK — The Cheektowaga Warriors brought their marching band to Saturday’s Section VI Class B championship football game at New Era Field.

It was the biggest Dunkirk gathering since July 4 celebrations, and it didn’t even happen in the city.

Marauder pride was on full display Saturday afternoon as Dunkirk won its first-ever sectional title with a 46-35 victory over the state’s No. 2 ranked team.

While the win was exciting and impressive in itself, it was the support from the community that stole the show.

OBSERVER Photo by Craig Harvey A tailgate party outside the Orchard Park stadium got underway Saturday around 1 p.m. Hot dogs, hamburgs, baked chicken, baked beans, spanish rice, six-foot subs, cheese and pepperoni, dips and desserts were just a few of the treats which filled the many tables.

With kickoff slated for 6:30 p.m., a tailgate party outside the Orchard Park stadium got underway around 1 p.m. Hot dogs, hamburgers, baked chicken, baked beans, Spanish rice, six-foot subs, cheese and pepperoni, dips and desserts were just a few of the treats that filled the many tables.

“The outpouring of support and the fans who came out was unbelievable,” Arlette Rivera-Navarro, organizer of the tailgate event and mother of player Jazzy Rivera, said. “We started packing everything up at 4:30 p.m. and it took us an hour to put everything away.”

The tailgate party was held near the entrance of the field, and as the player bus pulled into the stadium around 5:15 p.m., it was as if rock stars were entering the area.

The welcoming to the stadium was the cherry on top of what had already been a humbling afternoon.

“When we got on the bus, Dunkirk Mayor Willie Rosas called in and ordered a police escort out of the city,” Dunkirk Head Coach Mike Sarratori said. “We saw people outside their homes clapping on the way to the Thruway. When we got to the stadium, as we were pulling in, there was many, many, many Dunkirk fans piled by the side of the entrance cheering. It was fantastic.”

Once in the stadium, the Marauder faithful needed more than two sections of the stadium to accommodate seating for everyone. On top of all the fans who participated in the tailgate event, there were also five spectator buses for students alone. To stand at the top of the steps and look upon the community coming together to cheer on the Marauders sent chills down Rivera-Navarro’s spine.

“Shocked and in awe,” she said, describing the feeling. “It was jaw dropping. We always tend to get a bad rap wherever we go. We are always an underdog, but we always believe in our team.”

As the players and coaches entered the field from the tunnel, they too, felt the love from the city.

“Let’s put it this way, it seemed like the whole city was there and the whole city was backing us,” Sarratori said of the view he saw from the field. “It seemed like it was so special for everyone.

“Anything positive right now is a good thing,” he continued. “It’s hard times in our city with a lot of things going on. Dunkirk gets a bad rap. I hear it a lot. I know it’s different. For our football team to have a little bit to do with the city coming together and giving pride back with everybody, it’s special.”

And despite falling behind, 14-0, early in the first quarter, the Marauders fought back. There were five lead changes in the game, with Dunkirk taking control for good in the second half.

“Trust me, the kids did not want to let those fans down,” Sarratori said. “I am sure the the city is going to pull together and be bigger and louder this week.”

Once home, the Marauder bus pulled into the school with hundreds of fans awaiting to hear the players ring the bell. And when all the players and coaches had rung the bell, a gong and a note was found.

The note read, “We stole this as a prank in 1993 and it’s traveled through multiple states. Congratulations on your win! Here’s your original gong and it’s where it belongs now.”

The Marauders are hoping for the chance to use that gong next week after the Far West Regional game.

Tickets for the Far West Regional, which will be held next Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at New Era Field will be on sale today. Per Section VI rules, all tickets are $10. They can be purchased at the superintendent’s office.

OBSERVER Photo by Craig Harvey A tailgate party outside the Orchard Park stadium got underway Saturday around 1 p.m. Hot dogs, hamburgs, baked chicken, baked beans, spanish rice, six-foot subs, cheese and pepperoni, dips and desserts were just a few of the treats which filled the many tables.