The Forest Hills Central Rangers played for the 1994 Class A State Championship, falling four points shy of the title at the Pontiac Silverdome. Twenty-eight years later, they will get another bite at the apple. After a thrilling victory over Dexter on Saturday, they will travel to Ford Field to face on Warren De La Salle.
In the first quarter, Cole Cabana, the star tailback for Dexter who is committed to Michigan, got things started. He powered across the goal line from two yards out to give the Dreadnaughts a 7-0 lead.
The offenses stalled for the rest of the game, until there was time for just one play. With the football on the Dexter four yard line, Mason McDonald aired it out. He found Sam Sneider on a 4-yard catch, evening the count at seven and sending the game to overtime.
In the first extra frame, JT Hartman got the Rangers on the board with a 10-yard sprint to the end zone. Dexter responded with their own 10-yard toss. Reeves Taylor and Brennan Parachek connected to send the game to a second overtime.
The Dreadnaughts’ drive stalled. Gerzon Herter booted a 27-yard field goal to put Dexter ahead 17-14. The Rangers had a chance to jump ahead on their own possession, and made their way closer to the goal line. Mason McDonald kept the football, powering into the end zone from two yards out. This touchdown gave the Rangers a 20-17 victory.
JT Hartman finished the game with 35 carries for 225 yards and a score. He also added six tackles on defense. Mason McDonald chipped in 16 carries for 52 yards, while passing 35 yards. Raymond Cargil led the Rangers with 12 tackles, while Nolan Hartl added 9.
The 13-0 Rangers will advance to Friday’s State Championship game, where they will square off with 12-1 Warren De La Salle. The Pilots cruised to the title game with a 43-15 win over Birmingham Grovees.
