Senior Jimmy Scholler’s three rushing touchdowns would be the ultimate game-changer in a 41-12 victory for varsity football over Ottawa Hills. Only throwing 7 passes on the day, Scholler completed five of those passes for 99 yards including a touchdown to fellow senior Hayden Sarjeant in the first half. With Jimmy back in the lineup, the offense for FHC looks to get back on track before two big games to close out the regular season and enter postseason play. 

FHC started strong in the first half, as they were able to establish the running game early. Senior Jackson Clay broke out for a big run to start the game on the Rangers’ first drive which lead to a Jimmy touchdown. The defense also came out to play early, as junior Jonah Spates intercepted a Bengal pass and the Rangers took over at the Ottawa Hills 20 yard line. Jimmy would cap off the drive with a 4-yard touchdown run.

After the Ranger defense stopped Ottawa Hills again and forced a punt, FHC continued to drive down the field into Bengal territory. The drive could not be capped off by a Will Gustafson field goal, as Ottawa Hills blocked the kick and returned it for a touchdown. The Rangers bounced back by marching down the field and once again, Jimmy polished the drive off with a touchdown run. 

The Rangers continued to dominate on the offensive end, as they rushed for 2 touchdowns and threw 1 touchdown. Jimmy along with junior Carson Deines crossed the goal line and Hayden Sarjeant was the recipient of the only passing touchdown of the game. FHC went into halftime up a whopping 34-7 on Ottawa Hills. 

Head coach Tim Rogers got some fresh legs into the game at the beginning of the second half, and the defense didn’t skip a beat. The Rangers held the Bengals to only a total of six points in the second half. Junior quarterback Maguire Mahacek put up the only points on the board for the Rangers, giving the Rangers its fifth rushing touchdown of the game.

Even with the starters resting, the Rangers continued its offensive success. Sophomore Tyler Weaver did a great job running the ball, gaining 69 yards on 8 carries. The Bengals would return a fumble for a touchdown in the fourth quarter, but it would not be enough to overcome the early deficit and FHC won 41-12.

The win on Friday puts FHC at 5-2 overall, moving one step closer to making the playoffs once again. The Rangers now shift their attention to its annual Homecoming game against the Lowell Red Arrows at Ranger Stadium. To win, FHC will need to keep up the success on defense as well as continuing to produce on offense.