D6 Sports Network Twenty Greatest Teams of the 2000's. #12

12. 2005 Forest Hills

The Scoop-The 2005 Forest Hills Rangers had it all.  They had size, they played great defense, and a dynamic offense. Travis Rearick's junior season was something else. He threw for 2,240 yards and 25 touchdowns. His play was key for the Rangers to run Don Bailey's pro style offense. The Rangers' running game was centered around Will Lazaration.  The Senior made some big runs and provided balance to the offense as he scored 14 touchdowns.  The offense's star may have been Adam Trout.  Trout was able to stretch the field and keep defenses on their toes all season long. Trout went for over 1,000 yards and 15 scores on the season. Jake Oswalt was a pretty solid number two threat as caught 39 passes himself.  The offense had the ability to beat you because of the trademark Forest Hills line did its job. The nasty Forest Hills defense was also present. They forced 25 turnovers and teamed up for 27 sacks. The Rangers went through the regular season with only one loss, as that came to Derrick Harris led Bedford.  The Rangers rolled through the D6 Playoffs and fended off a tough Bishop McCort team for the second time on the season for the District Six Championship.  The Rangers happened to be in the way of the 16-0 South Park State Champions in the first round of states.


The Stars-Travis Rearick was the star of the offense and went on to have a successful senior campaign in 2006.  He took a football career at Mercyhurst College. Rearick eventually gained the starter's role and had a great run for the Lakers.  Adam Trout's fantastic senior season landed him on the All State Second Team.  David Mehall anchored the lines. Josh Shope also played a key role on both sides of the ball. D6 Sport Network associate, Ross Carpenter led the team in interceptions.  Often the case with Forest Hills Football, they were not loaded with collegiate players. That does not mean much when it comes to winning High School Football games.  Forest Hills does just fine with the talent and skill they have.

The Argument-To fully appreciate this team, you must understand the LHAC they played in. The league at this time was much stronger than it has been in recent seasons. There was roughly six teams that were competitive and could win any given game.  Forest Hills proved to be the most consistent this season with an 11-2 record. They faced a lethal team in State against South Park.  That team was a machine, and anyone in the countdown would have had a whale of a time beating them.  2005 Forest Hills was a smash-mouth, no nonsense football team. They had the savvy quarterback and a group of players that understood their roles and excelled in them.  They fit in well in the 12 spot of this countdown. Don Bailey has had some great teams, and this is one of the more recent ones.  The debate could be on with this team, that is for sure.