The Forest Hills Central JV football team faced off against Portage Central on Thursday in a highly competitive game.

In the first quarter, Will Costello made a significant tackle for a loss on third down, energizing the Rangers before their first offensive drive. The Rangers punted after a challenging first drive, but the Portage Central punt returner dropped the punt, which was recovered by the Rangers, setting them up just outside the red zone. Sophomore quarterback Blake Teliczan scrambled out of the pocket to bring the Rangers closer to the goal line, then threw a great pass to Sophomore wide receiver Carson Schick in the back of the end zone, putting them up 6-0 by the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter began with both teams failing to score on their subsequent offensive drives. With 3:27 left in the second quarter, Portage Central scored, and a successful two-point conversion put them ahead 8-6. Forest Hills Central received the kickoff and started a great drive; Teliczan threw a long touchdown pass to Schick. A failed two-point conversion left the score 12-8 in favor of Forest Hills Central at halftime.

To open the third quarter, Michael Badaluco returned the kickoff for a touchdown, and the extra point made the score 19-7. Then, with five minutes remaining in the third quarter, Portage Central drove down the field and scored on a 20-yard touchdown run to narrow the Ranger lead. With a few minutes left in the third, Schick made an amazing catch to secure a first down, but the Rangers came up empty on that drive.

At the start of the fourth quarter, both teams drove down the field until the Portage Central quarterback escaped a sack and completed a pass on third and long for a first down, putting them in the red zone. With two minutes left in the game, Portage Central scored a rushing touchdown and successfully completed the two-point conversion to take the lead. The Rangers drove down the field, but an interception gave Portage Central the ball with two minutes remaining. Despite this tough break, the Rangers didn’t give up.

“After I threw that interception, I tried to stay as positive as I could,” Teliczan said. “When the defense made a big stop, I knew I had to make a play.”

The Rangers’ defense played exceptionally well, forcing a turnover on downs to give them one last chance to win. With thirty seconds on the clock, Teliczan dropped back, found Schick in one-on-one coverage, and threw it into the end zone. Carson caught the ball for a game-winning touchdown on the last play.

The connection between Teliczan and Schick was evident throughout the game and proved crucial in the final play.

“I knew if Blake gave me a chance, I could make a play,” Schick said. “I also want to thank the offensive line for their great blocking.”

This momentum could be beneficial for the Rangers if it continues throughout the season.

“We will keep this momentum by working hard in practice and taking care of our bodies,” Teliczan said.

Teliczan and Schick formed a great duo in this game, significantly contributing to the Rangers’ success.

“It really starts with the offensive line. When they give me good protection, I can develop the play. When I see Carson one-on-one, I just try to get the ball to him, and he makes the play,” Teliczan added.

Schick had three touchdown receptions in the game, and if this continues, the Rangers are likely to keep winning.

“Just keep preparing well and beating the defensive backs,” Schick said. “We’ll maintain our momentum by scouting, practicing our routes, and taking what the defensive backs give us.”

Overall, it was a great game for the Rangers, and they hope to continue their success next week against Byron Center.