Forest Hills Central tops Mason in MHSAA Division 3 championship
DETROIT — The Forest Hills Central Rangers (12-1) defeated the Mason Bulldogs (13-0) 27-10 in the Division 3 Michigan high school football state championship on Sunday at Ford Field.
It was a bittersweet moment for the Rangers and head coach Tim Rogers as they accomplished something that they fell just short of last season.
“Last year was difficult sitting here in front of you all, and the last thing I said was don’t count us out next year, which is this year,” Rogers said. “I think it’s a lot harder the second time around because you’re getting everyone’s best game, but these guys never wavered.”
Although the Bulldogs would total 233 passing yards, it was the Ranger's defense that would surge its win as they held Mason to just 36 rushing yards and only allowed three third-down conversions with two interceptions.
After a field goal battle in the first quarter would put Forest Hills Central in front, 6-3, the Rangers would find the end zone as senior running back JT Hartman rushed for a three-yard touchdown to extend their lead, 13-3.
Throughout the first half, Forest Hills Central outgained Mason on the offensive end, 157-104, while holding the Bulldogs to just four rushing yards.
The second half opened up with Forest Hills Central senior quarterback Mason McDonald finding Ty Hudkins for a 62-yard touchdown to extend the Rangers’ lead, 20-3.
Mason cut the deficit to 20-10, but a pick-six by Forest Hills Central’s Drew Fortino extended the lead to 27-10 and seal the deal for the Rangers.
Hartman did a little bit of everything for Forest Hills Central as he totaled 80 yards of offense and a rushing touchdown, along with an interception and eight total tackles on defense.
“We knew we had to do better this offseason so we went extra hard in the weight room and practice,” Hartman said. “All the extra work made us better players and that translated out onto the field.”
Hudkins (Purdue commit) would finish with six receptions for 115 receiving yards and one touchdown while adding three tackles and one interception on defense, as McDonald would throw for 142 yards and one touchdown.
“We’ve been talking about this since sixth grade,” Hudkins said. “It’s been a real blessing. It’s a great way to end and the fact that it came true; it’s just crazy.”
After the game, Coach Rogers announced that he would be stepping down as head coach after 12 seasons with Forest Hills Central.
“It’s tough. … It’s probably the worst-kept secret in the state that I’m stepping down after this game,” coach Rogers said. “I feel great. I’ve watched these kids grow up and I think I’m leaving it better than how I found it. A storybook ending for my career.”
