GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Forest Hills Central High School football team clinched a spot in the state championship for the first time since 1994 last season, but they got smoked by De La Salle in the title game 52-13.
This time around, the Rangers want to make sure that does not happen again.
"We're excited to go back, but last year was embarrassing," Forest Hills Central senior safety Ty Hudkins said. "It was straight up embarrassing. We were a way different team. We have a different mentality. We are not just happy to be there. We are happy to go and win it."
FHC now knows all about the glitz and glamour that comes with playing on the biggest stage in the state.
"For us, it is just Week 14," Forest Hills Central junior tight end Max Richardson said. "Since the beginning of the season we have been playing all 14 weeks unlike last year where we were just happy to be there. This week, we are doing 14 weeks. We are ready to be here. It is just another game for us."
This year FHC is not just in it to play at Ford Field. The Rangers want to win the whole thing.
"I give these guys a great deal of credit that they figured out a way to get back here and now they are business like and knowing what we need to do," Forest Hills Central head coach Tim Rogers said. "We went through this one time before. We are extremely focused and I think the expectation is a high level."
The Rangers will face Mason in the Division 3 state title game on Sunday. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. at Ford Field.
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