The Scoop-The 2002 Forest Hills team may have the greatest of them all in terms of the 2000's for Coach Don Bailey. The Rangers boasted a 13-1 record with an LHAC Championship and a District 6 Championship. The 2001 Rangers had a good season that laid the groundwork for 2002. Forest Hills rolled through the Laurel Highlands with a 9-1 record. They went on to breeze through the District Six Playoffs and dispelled the defending champions, Bishop McCort, in a 40-10 dominating win at Mansion Park. The Rangers had that trademark offensive line that could blow people off the line, and it opened the way for a successful offensive campaign. Cody Gallagher led the backfield for the Sidman squad and had a great season with 1,34 yards and 24 touchdowns. Sophomore Quarterback Bryan Kudalweic put on a season to remember. These Rangers had a balanced offense led by a dynamic sophomore Quarterback that went to a great career. The Defense was also the story as they allowed 46 points throughout the regular season. Forest Hills traveled to Dubois to take on Brockway in inter-districts and won with ease 49-14. This set a date with Seton LaSalle in the Western Final. The Rangers were no match for the Anthony Doria led offense of the Rebels and succumbed to them 42-18.
The Stars-You will have to excuse me because stats and college destinations for these guys are not easy to find. But here is what I did find... Bryan Kudalweic had a fantastic Sophomore season and went on to Duquesne to play ball down the road. Cody Gallagher was the workhorse and finished 10th in the state in Touchdowns in 2002. Eric Trout caught 30 passes for 578 yards in 2002. Mike Mayes and Gabe Wingard were among the best tackles in the state.
The Argument- The thing with ranking this list is simple. The entire body of work has to be considered, and this team had just that. The Rangers had a stifling defense that resulted in them only surrendering 5 points a game in the regular season. The Rangers finished 9-0 and certainly had a long postseason run ahead. The Rangers absolutely smoked the 2002 McCort team in the Championship. McCort was 10-1 and a huge game was expected, but Forest Hills stole the show. Forest Hills had a complete offense to go with the masterful defense. The 2002 Seton LaSalle team was great, and it would have been tough for any team on this list to beat. This team passes the eye test, and the success test. This is definitely one of Don Bailey's better runs at Forest Hills.
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