Forest Hills Central looks to build on team’s unprecedented run

This is the 34th in a series of stories previewing the 2019 Grand Rapids area high school football season

Forest Hills Central’s football team made program history last fall.

The Rangers qualified for the playoffs for the third consecutive year, and that’s a first at FHC.

But Rangers coach Tim Rogers said FHC was hoping for more after advancing to the state semifinals in 2017. Qualifying for the postseason is fine, but it’s not enough for the Rangers.

“Our high expectations fell short largely due to starting QB (Luke Majick) breaking his collarbone midseason,” Rogers told MLive in a release. “We still made the playoffs at 5-4 and drew Mona Shores (D2 runner-up). We lost a heartbreaking game by six points at Mona Shores. That was the closest playoff game Mona had on the way to the state championship game.”

Rogers is in his seventh season as FHC coach, and the Rangers have reason for optimism after returning five starters on offense and seven on defense. The returners include Brandon Weiskofp, Sam VanDeReit, Payton Corcoran and Bryce Kerr, who are all returning offensive linemen. Look for Jimmy Scholler and Carson Mocherman to share the quarterback duties, and they will look to get the ball into the hands of playmaker Jackson Clay.

“Jackson Clay is our most dynamic player on offense and special teams,” Rogers said. “Last year, Jackson had four touchdown receptions and two kickoff returns for TDs. He is an elusive, big play weapon who will be our No. 1 offensive threat.

“Jonah Spates is a big target who has excellent ball skills. Jonah will play opposite of Jackson to provide balance in our receiving core.”

Weiskopf will help anchor the defensive line, too. Junior Carson Deines started last year at linebacker, and Clay will be a force in FHC’s secondary.

“Brandon Weiskopf is our most dominant player,” Rogers said. “He is a disruptive force who will create chaos for the offensive line. Carson Deines started last year as a sophomore at linebacker. He is a strong, physical player who can play from sideline to sideline. The secondary will be led by Jackson Clay. He is a cover corner who will be charged with defending the opponent’s’ No. 1 receiver.”

Other key returners are senior kicker Will Gustafson, along with Hayden Sarjeant, who will play wide receiver and defensive back and senior defensive lineman Wyatt Engler. Junior Joey Wise will play running back and strong safety.

“Will Gustafson is a returning starter and one of the best kickers in West Michigan,” Rogers said. “He has a big strong leg who will be a weapon on kickoffs. Our hope is that we will have to cover very few kickoffs because we are capable of kicking the ball in the endzone. On offense I expect that we will score every time we are in the red zone because Gustafson is capable of making field goals every time we can’t put the ball in the endzone.”

Check out Forest Hills Central’s 2019 schedule:

8/29 – Jenison

9/6 – At West Ottawa

9/13 – At Grandville

9/20 – At Forest Hills Northern

9/27 – Northview

10/4 – At Cedar Springs

10/11 – At Ottawa Hills

10/18 – Lowell

10/25 – Greenville

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.