The Forest Hills Central Rangers, under the direction of Head Coach Tim Rogers, have seen a level of sustained success that the program only experienced in the early 1990s under then coach Tim McGee. Last year, the Rangers made their first State Championship game appearance since McGee’s men fell short in 1994. This fall, they returned to Ford Field with the mission of finishing the job.
On Sunday afternoon, they squared off with the Mason Bulldogs. This upstart program was making their Ford Field debut, and brought nearly the entire town along with them. After finally getting past Detroit King, the Bulldogs hoped that this would be their season. Alas, it was Rogers’ Rangers that stand atop the Division 3 football world as champions, securing a 27-10 victory.
In the first quarter, the kickers showed their boots to start the scoring. On the opening FHC drive, they covered thirty yards to set up a field goal. Alex Moeller converted a 35-yard try to put the Rangers ahead early. Mason would respond with a 13-play march that took five and a half minutes. Collin Winters evened the count with his 26 yard kick.
The kicker spotlight continued into the second quarter, as Forest Hills went on a 15-play, seven-minute scoring drive. When things stalled at the ten, Moeller returned to the field and buried a 27-yard field goal.
After forcing a three-and-out, the Rangers took over just inside plus territory. After a big 25-yard pass from Mason McDonald to Brendan Cargill, the Rangers were in business. Three plays later, JT Hartman ran into the end zone for a 3-yard score, lifting FHC to a 13-3 advantage. Mason would reach the 35 at the end of the first half, but time would expire before they had a chance to answer.
After halftime, the Rangers got the football first. They used an explosive 62-yard connection between McDonald and Ty Hudkins to record a score. This gave them a controlling 20-3 lead.
Mason would finally respond with an 18-play, 83-yard touchdown march that took over six minutes. Derek Badgley was able to cap off the drive with a 2-yard touchdown carry.
The Forest Hills Central defense would carry the Rangers home from here, halting the Bulldogs’ advances. JT Hartman secured an interception early in the fourth quarter, and with seven minutes to play, Drew Fortino returned an interception 27 yards for the clinching touchdown.
FHC outgained Mason by just 18 yards in this game, 287-269. Mason McDonald finished 8/12 passing for 142 yards and a score, while adding 74 yards on the ground. Ty Hudkins had 115 receiving yards on six catches, and delivered some crushing blows defensively.
This was truly a day for the ages in Forest Hills Central football. The Rangers, under Rogers’ direction, built their way into one of the area’s best programs. They have made the playoffs in each year since 2016, and they finish today as State Champions for the first time. This is the perfect send-off for Head Coach Tim Rogers, who announced after the game that he is retiring.
