The Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Cranes (6-1) (4-0) will face the Detroit Loyola Bulldogs (6-1) (2-1) in a late season CHSL pairing. This is the second crossover game for the Cranes, having handled Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes 36-21 earlier this year.
The Detroit Loyola Bulldogs are the top team in the AA division of the CHSL. Having dispatched their rivals Dearborn Divine Child 34-24 and Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard 22-0, the Bulldogs have swept their division in 2016.
Their only loss on the year was to CHSL Central league opponent Orchard Lake St. Mary’s in a 35-14 crossover game.
“Loyola has a very strong football program and has worked hard over the years to constantly get better” said Cranbrook Head Coach Joe D’Angelo. “They are a model program and will be a tough opponent.”
Loyola has, including this season, qualified for the MHSAA state playoffs for the last 10 years. The Bulldogs have been Division 7 finalists 3 times, winning a state title in 2014. They are currently ranked 5th in the current AP rankings for Division 7.
The Bulldogs have qualified for the 2016 CHSL Prep Bowl, and will face the Dearborn Divine Child Falcons at Ford Field on October 22.
The Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Cranes are the top team in the Intersectional I division of the CHSL. Having defeated division members Riverview Gabriel Richard 28-3, Allen Park Cabrini 42-7, and Macomb Lutheran North 41-7, the Cranes have swept their division for the first time since joining the CHSL.
Their only blemish for the season was a 26-14 loss to Harper Woods Chandler Park in a non-conference game.
“The team has been careful in their preparation each week, trying not to look too far ahead”, said D’Angelo. “I am proud of their effort and diligence.”
Including this year, Cranbrook has qualified for the playoffs the last 3 years in a row. During their banner 9-2 season last year, the Cranes were ranked 6th in the Division 4 by the AP. Cranbrook won its first ever playoff game last year.
The Cranes have qualified for the 2016 CHSL Prep Bowl as well, and will face Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes at Ford Field on October 22.
But first, the teams will face each other in a crossover game that will be a good warm up for the rest of their respective schedules.
The game will be played Saturday October 15th, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at the Del Walden Field, Thompson Oval, on the Cranbrook Campus. The field is located at 550 Lone Pine Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304.