“We learned that we can come back and we are never really out of a game.” -Tristen Bird ’24
On Friday, September 30, the Rangers played rival school Highland Park in football at Highlander Stadium. Prior to the game, fans were welcomed by horrific bagpipe music playing loudly over Highlander Stadium’s faulty speaker system, causing most people’s ears to bleed. The stands filled early due to a lack of parking, the Scots side filled with blue, and the Rangers filled with white. Both sides were ready for the game of the year.
First Half
The Rangers fell behind early in the first half due to Western Michigan commit Brennan Storer ’23, quarterback for Highland Park, and his excellent play-making ability, combining a good arm with great legs, leading 14-0 after the first quarter. The Scots scored another two touchdowns in the second quarter, leading at half 28-0.
Everyone was proud of the way we came out in the second half and never gave up. I think that shows the maturity of this team and the strength of our leadership. HP was an elite team and we gave them a tough fight; we just needed better energy at the beginning of the game. Logan Thompson ’24
Second Half
The Scots opened the third half with a touchdown on a pass from Storer, his second passing touchdown of the night. The Rangers went multiple drives downfield but were unable to score. The Rangers opened early in the fourth quarter with a touchdown run from Charlie Schmidt ’23, the Ranger’s first score of the night. After a successful onside kick from Noah McGough ’25, the Rangers soon scored again on a run from Schmidt. Pushing the game closer Schmidt hit Matty Wagner ’23 for a 17-yard touchdown pass. The Rangers, desperate for a win, held the Scots scoreless on their next drive yet again, playing spectacular defense in the second half, and scored again on a Schmidt pass to Jake Musso ’23 for a touchdown. After a failed trick kick from McGough however, the Scots kneeled the ball to win the game 35-28.
Stats
Offense
Charlie Schmidt ’23- 29/44, 227 passing yds, 2 TD, 1 INT, 66 rushing yds, 2 TD, 1 reception, 22 receiving yards
Cameron Martin ’23- 48 rushing yds, 17 passing yds
Jake Musso ’23- 11 receptions, 123 receiving yds, 1 TD, 40 rushing yds, 22 passing yds
Matty Wagner- 5 receptions, 48 receiving yds, 1 TD
Defense
Blake Miller ’23- 8 tackles
Grant Peters ’23- 6 tackles
Grayson Wombacher ’24- 6 tackles
Cade Gill ’25- 3 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 pass breakup
Special Teams
Noah McGough ’25- 4/4 extra-points, 1 successful onside kick
Players Opinions
“We learned that we have to come out strong and fast in the first quarter and make a statement. We also learned that we can come back and we are never really out of a game.” -Tristen Bird ’24
What’s Next
The Rangers look to rest and recover this week during their bye week. The Rangers then look to play Berkner next week at home for Senior Night and DPL Night, before going back on the road for Irving Nimitz. The Rangers come back home for homecoming to play Irving MacArthur before traveling again for Richardson for the final game of the season. After that, the Rangers look to do well in the playoffs.
Stay tuned to The Roundup for more football news!