Forest Hills Survives Upset Scare In Close Victory Over Chestnut Ridge

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Baron Dionis | September 12, 2025

Forest Hills remains undefeated after hanging on to nail biting 19-14 victory over Chestnut Ridge at Dr. Giovacchini Stadium.

A competitive battle all night between two Laurel Highlands squads came down to the wire. Forest Hills rode off a strong three touchdown night from Xander Richardson, while Chestnut Ridge battled, but came up short.

A very quick first half as both teams ran at each other, draining the clock very fast. It was competitive too as Chestnut Ridge hung around with Forest Hills.

The Rangers got the game started with a 10 minute drive down the field, finishing on a three yard touchdown from Richardson. He accounted for 43 rushing and 23 passing on that long drive.

Quickly after, the Lions would put together a drive of their own. After a few rushes, Landyn Pincin completed two passes, one to Carter Wharton for a 13 yard gain and then to Cooper Barefoot for a 30 yard touchdown, tying the game at seven apiece.

Both teams exchanged punts and when Chestnut Ridge forced their second punt of the evening, Forest Hills forced a fumble on the return. Tyson Scott got the recovery and returned it to the five yard line.

That set up Richardson’s second score of the night from two yards out. Chestnut Ridge blocked the point after attempt, giving the Rangers a 13-7 lead into halftime.

Coming out of the half, Chestnut Ridge started to get a drive going, but they fumbled the snap. That allowed Nathan Gabany to give the Rangers the ball with good field position.

Forest Hills quickly capitalized as Richardson and Cam Vitez connected twice for 17 yards and then an 11 yard touchdown. The Lions blocked the point after for a second time.

“Xander does a lot of things for us week in and week out,” Forest Hills Head Coach Justin Myers stated. “Teams key on him because he can throw, run, play defense, and sideline to sideline. Xander will tell you that he couldn’t do those things without his teammates.”

Richardson finished the night with 88 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, 77 passing yards, and a passing touchdown.

Both defenses held strong for five drives, until Chestnut Ridge found a groove in the pass game. Pincin completed three passes and on the third he connected with Wyatt Dishong for a 17 yard touchdown.

Forest Hills would put the game away with two first down rushes, keeping their undefeated record alive.

“Chestnut Ridge played a heck of a game,” Coach Myers commented. “They were physical and they battled. We’ve played two straight physical teams. Chestnut Ridge is 1-3 and that is not indicative of how good they are. They did a lot of good things tonight. Coach Shoemaker always has them ready to play, but I’m proud of our kids.”

This loss marks a three game losing skid for Chestnut Ridge, but they showed great signs of breaking out of that this evening.

“I was proud of their effort,” Chestnut Ridge Head Coach Max Shoemaker explained. “We were a little sluggish last week and we played with more intensity tonight. I give all credit in the world to Coach Myers and the Rangers. They are a tough squad.”

Ridge is normally more of a running team, yet Pincin was able to do a bit more with his arm this evening, accounting for 137 passing yards and two passing touchdowns.

“He made some nice throws,” Coach Shoemaker described. “We’re looking to build around that and have him take more positive steps forward.”

Forest Hills (4-0) gets ready for a big game next week against Richland. Chestnut Ridge (1-3) will prepare for a rivalry game against Bedford.

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