Game Preview-The Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Cranes take on the Riverview Gabriel Richard Pioneers in

The Cranes will kickoff against the Pioneers this Friday at 7:00 p.m.

The Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Cranes (4-1) (1-0) will take on the Riverview Gabriel Richard Pioneers (5-0) (2-0) in a divisional match up in Week 6 action.

Both teams are ranked in the latest AP polls- with Cranbrook tied for 11th place in Division 4, and Gabriel Richard in 12th place in Division 7.

The Pioneers come in to this game undefeated, having taken wins over Melvindale ABT 56 – 0, Marine City Cardinal Mooney 47 – 6, Madison Heights Bishop Foley 56 – 14, University Liggett 56 – 16, and Lutheran North 43 – 32.

“They are a well –prepared team with good experiences under their belt”, said Cranes Head Coach Joe D’Angelo. “They will be determined and focused.”

The Pioneers are led by senior QB Devin Gleason, a quick and versatile athlete. Senior WR Eric Wigginton and junior RB Nevin Hughes are also having great seasons and will be a factor on the offensive side.

On defense, the Pioneers are led by Hughes at DE, named to the 2016 All-News Herald, First Team, and senior LB/DT Devin Slaughter, a 2016 Second Team All-News Herald member.

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“Richard has good experience in their offensive and defensive line. There will be a battle in the trenches”, says D’ Angelo.

The Cranes find themselves 4 and 1 on the season after wins against Redford Union 35 – 0, Detroit University Prep 37 – 0, Royal Oak Shrine Catholic 42 – 7, and Allen Park Cabrini 56-7.

The Cranes one loss was to Dearborn Divine Child 28 – 14 in a CHSL crossover game.

“We have had a good season, I am pleased with our general progress so far”, said D’Angelo.

The Cranes are led by senior QB Trevor McConnell, who had thrown for 13 TD so far this season.

Senior RB Aaron Wiggins is the leading rusher for Cranbrook, and junior WR Kobi Russell is the leading receiver. Both Wiggins and Russell are 2016 AP All-State Honorable mention selections.

The defense is anchored by senior DE Chris Smith, a Harvard football commit and 2016 Free Press D4 All-State player.

Senior LB Andrew Mertz provides a strong run-stop presence, while senior CB Marqis Stokes and sophomore LB Jack Fairman are team leaders in interceptions and tackles, respectively.

“I anticipate a good game between two good teams” said D’Angelo.

This game will be played at 15325 Pennsylvania Rd, Riverview, MI 48192. Kickoff is at 7:00 a.m.