A din of fans' horns, drums and chants is a trademark of international soccer matches.
Increasingly, it's becoming a trademark of Berkmar High boys matches, too.
"They're pretty fanatical," Patriots coach Tracy Crouch said of rabid fans that exemplify Berkmar's largely Latino student body. "They're really involved and always there to support us."
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Urged on by its spirited fans, Berkmar on Wednesday clinched the Region 8-AAAAA championship and a spot in the state tournament for the first time in about 20 years. And when the Patriots (14-2-1) host Region 6-AAAAA's fourth-seeded West Forsyth on Wednesday, Berkmar's fans are expected to be as spirited as ever.
"They're super loyal fans, the ones with the drums and the horns, faces painted -- you name it," Crouch said. "It's not something you see at a football game or basketball game. You only see something like that in soccer."
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As winners of seven straight matches before losing Tuesday's regular-season finale to visiting Dacula, 1-0, the Patriots have given Lilburn fans reason to get excited about soccer. Moreover, like Berkmar's boys basketball players, who uplifted many by winning the region title and reaching the first round of the state playoffs last winter, the soccer players have ignited a school that's struggled for athletic acclaim.
There's no mistaking Berkmar soccer fans. Among the most enthusiastic are Alexus Montanez, who runs up and down the sideline waving a large Berkmar spirit flag during matches, and Tania Mijares and Cynthia Garrett, who cheer fanatically. It's impossible to miss Lionel Jimenez and Juan Martinez, who often wear red, white and blue face and body paint while they cheer.
The drone of horns and beating of drums are unmistakable. The surprisingly full stands erupt each time the Patriots score.
"It's usually homemade banners," Crouch said. "Bringing out the horns and the drums gives it an international flair."
Crouch recalls a recent 2-0 win against Meadowcreek, a neighborhood rival of comparable ethnic mix. He estimated 1,500 fans came, and though spirited, everyone was friendly afterward. During Senior Night on Tuesday, Berkmar's fans again were on their game, though the Patriots came no closer than bouncing a couple shots off the post, including Rene Acosta's in the first half.
After losing to Dacula, Berkmar could have fallen to third-place playoff qualification, had Dacula not lost 1-0 to Central Gwinnett on Wednesday. Instead, the Patriots enter the postseason with a long-awaited region championship.
"It's been oxygen for our soul, too long overdue," Crouch said of excitement in the stadium, as well as the school's corridors. "It's one of the neatest things I've seen in a long time."
