The Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Cranes (2-0) won an away, non-conference game against the Detroit University Prep Panthers (0-1) 44-0 Saturday. The win pushes Cranbrook to a 2-0 start for the 4th year in a row.
Powered behind 4 rushing TD’s by senior captain Jalen Allen, the Cranes piled up 30 points in the 2nd and 3rd quarters. Adding touchdowns in the 1st and 4th periods, the Cranes averaged 7 yards each play from scrimmage.
“We were able to run the ball effectively today,” said Cranes Head Coach Joe D’Angelo. “We had a great effort today by our offensive line to open lanes for our running backs.”
Junior QB Trevor McConnell threw 12 completions on 19 attempts for 129 yards and 2 TD’s. McConnell threw TD passes to junior RB Aaron Wiggins and senior TE Patrick Foley.
Defensively, the Cranes were solid in pitching their first defensive shut out in 2 years. 2 fumble recoveries by Crane defenders and an interception by senior LB A.J. Rodriguez allowed Cranbrook to win the turnover battle. Senior LB Pat Foley, senior captain LB Tristan Knoer, and Junior DE Chris Smith were in on the most tackles.
The Crane defense allowed 62 yards passing and 69 yards rushing for the day.
“Our front seven played with a lot of cohesion, “said Coach D’ Angelo. “They did a good job of closing in on the ball quickly.”
On special teams, junior Pierson Cooke kicked a 47-yard field goal, and added 5 of 6 PAT’s to make the Cranbrook victory a balanced effort.
Cranbrook moves on to face Harper Woods Chandler Park (0-2), while Detroit University Prep (1-1) will face Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes next week.