Ranger Varsity Football Defeats Ottawa Hills in Dominant Fashion

Ranger Varsity Football Defeats Ottawa Hills in Dominant Fashion

Behind the phenomenal play of senior quarterback Tanner Hallock, the Rangers improved to 3-0 for the first time since 2012. The second-year quarterback did just about everything for the Rangers tonight en route to their 35-14 victory.

Hallock got it going early on with his legs after running for his first of two rushing touchdowns coming with 7:03 remaining in the first quarter. Tanner would have a huge second quarter adding three touchdowns and a fumble recovery to his stats. He finished the game with four total touchdowns, two rushing and two passing.

“Tanner opens up so much,” head Coach Tim Rogers said. “He opens up the passing game because they’ve got to take care of him in the box and he keeps the ball going down the field; therefore, our defense is able to stay on the sidelines. He’s a dual-threat quarterback.”

Hallock gave credit to his teammates despite the gaudy individual statistics.

“I don’t give myself any credit. I think the team made the plays and put me in the right scenarios,” Tanner said.

A favorite target of Hallock’s is junior wide receiver Bryce Clay. Bryce has been a problem for opposing teams all season, and he supported that reputation tonight. Bryce was busy from the start, and his first touchdown came early in the second quarter after catching a ten-yard pass from Hallock. Bryce continued to be a threat in the second quarter after recording an interception. With a large lead in the fourth, Bryce caught a touchdown pass from senior quarterback Mark Scannell to add to his eventful day.

“We’re feeling it,” Bryce said.  “It’s the first time that we’ve been 3-0 in a while, we’re rolling right now.”

Bryce knows that this team is a special one and has a chance to do some things Ranger football hasn’t seen in a few years.

“We’re so close as a team, we love what we do, and the coaching staff are some of the best,” said Bryce, who is spending his second year as a part of the Varsity team.

The Seniors played a monster role in the game tonight. Senior Cornerback Nick Beaumier had Ottawa Hills Receivers on lock down all night, while recording an interception in the second quarter.

Senior wide receiver Jack Uecker continued his hot streak with a touchdown reception coming right before the half. Senior stud Defensive Lineman Nick White caused havoc throughout the game and also had an interception coming in the fourth quarter.

“We’ve got a great group of seniors that are providing great leadership both in the games and in practice, ” Rogers said.  “On the field and off the field they’re great leaders and everyone is falling in line behind them — they’re leading the charge.”

Conference play is coming up for the Rangers and it couldn’t come at a better time.  The Rangers face Greenville next week in the annual Tailgate game.

“We just take it one week at a time,” Tanner said. “We don’t look at it as 3-0, we look at is as 1-0 each week. We’re just trying to win every week.”