The Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Cranes (1-0) won their season opener against the Hamtramck Cosmos (0-1) 23-19 at Del Walden Field. This marks the 6th consecutive year the Cranes have opened the season on a winning note.
The Cranes opened their scoring on a 28-yard field goal by junior Trevor McConnell. After the Cranes defense held on the ensuing series, Cranbrook found the end zone on a 51-yard pass play from senior Tyler Santangelo to junior Aaron Wiggins. The Cranes held a 10-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Hamtramck found their footing in the second quarter, behind the running of senior Jerrice Duhart and junior Masaii Ray. Their balanced running attack would lead to good field position for the Cosmos, culminating in a 7-yard TD pass from junior Napier Lawrence to senior Shannon Charles.
The Cranes would answer back. Driving on a short field due to a penalty, Santangelo would find sophomore Torrell Williams on a 4-yard pass play. The Cranes would miss the 2-point conversion, but extended their lead to 16-7 at the half.
Cosmos QB Lawrence led the charge in the third quarter, putting together a 52-yard drive, ending in his TD run from the 1 yard line. But Hamtramck would miss the PAT, leaving the score 16-13.
The Cosmos tried to keep the momentum by an attempted onside kick, but it was recovered by Crane freshman Jack Fairman at midfield.
Cranbrook’s running attack would lift them on the next series. Two solid runs for 5-yards and 12-yards by senior captain Jalen Allen would set up the next scoring opportunity. A handoff to Wiggins would turn into a 33-yard scamper for a Crane touchdown. Junior Pierson Cooke would put the PAT through for a 23-13 lead.
In the fourth quarter, the Cosmos would press the advantage, scoring on a 1-yard TD run by Carter Trudell, to bring the score to 23-19. But a failed 2-point conversion left the Cosmos short with a few minutes remaining.
The Cranes would seal the game, behind the running of Jalen Allen to run out the clock.
“The team came in with the right attitude and stayed focused on their roles and responsibilities”, said Cranes Coach Joe D’Angelo. “It was hard fought victory. Hats off to the Hamtramck players and coaches, they have a good team.”
The Cranes move on to play Detroit University Prep, while Hamtramck with play Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest.