The mission of the Fort Cherry Little Rangers is to provide the children of the Fort Cherry School District the opportunity to play organized football, teaching them the basic fundamentals and techniques through teamwork.

The name Fort Cherry owes its significance to Thomas Cherry who came from the state of Maryland in 1774 and settled not far from the community of Hickory. He built a fort of three log buildings arranged in the form of a triangle. Because of its strength, the fort became known as Cherry's Fort and was used as a place for settlers over a large area.

The Fort Cherry Little Rangers Football Team was organized in 1962 and became members of the Old Alleghney Football League in 1963. At that time, the team was formed by players from the school districts of Fort Cherry, South Fayette, and West Allegheny. Since that time, with increased popularity of youth football, those districts have begun their own teams.

In 1967, the Little Rangers became a chartered organization. The charter members included present president and athletic director, Ray Miller, Chuck Lacey, Fred Shingledecker, Joe Almady, Ridley Stewart, and Ed Lheureau.

The Little Rangers hail from the Fort Cherry School District. The district is classified as an A school, a consolodation of students from the nearby communities of McDonald, Midway, Hickory, and Robinson Township of Washington County. All games are played at the high school stadium.

The Fort Cherry Little Rangers have a ripe history, as three NFL coaches made their meager start in McDonald, two of them with the team. Marty Schottenheimer, Kirt Schottenheimer, and Marvin Lewis, all McDonald natives, hail from Fort Cherry. Marvin and Kirt, two great athletes, played football with the Little Rangers.

The Little Rangers, not unlike other youth football programs, are proud of the many players who achieved further successful football goals. Former Little Rangers player Mike Vernillo holds the WPIAL rushing record, while Little Ranger star, Brad Tokar, is a member of the 4,000 Yard Rushing Club.

Throughout its many years, the Little Rangers have enjoyed many highlights. The most memorable highlight occured when the Fort Cherry Little Rangers played the Crafton Little Cougars during the halftime show of the Steelers/Bengals game. Former Pittsburgh Steelers coach and former Little Cougar player, Bill Cowher, and Cincinnati Bengals coach and former Little Rangers player, Marvin Lewis met once again - this time at a nationally televised NFL game!