Cranes Head Coach Scott Steward address the team after the 21-14 loss to Riverview Gabriel Richard.
(G. Davis- Photo Credit)
The Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Cranes were defeated by the Riverview Gabriel Richard Pioneers 21-14 in a CHSL crossover game. The loss puts Cranbrook at 4-3 on the season.
The Pioneers struck first on a 9-yard run by senior Nevin Hughes with 7:11 remaining in the first quarter. A failed PAT left the score at 6-0.
But Cranbrook would come back with a drive, capped off by a 4-yard run by junior Tariq Muhammad with 1:02 left in the first quarter. A converted PAT by sophomore Chase Paulus gave the Cranes a 7-6 lead at the end of quarter.
Midway through the second quarter, the Cranes found themselves deep in Pioneer territory. Junior Jack Fairman found daylight and scored on an 8-yard scamper at the 7:17 mark. A second converted PAT by Paulus gave Cranbrook a 14-6 lead.
But Gabriel Richard would march down and strike back on an 18-yard run by Nathan Palumbo. A successful two-point conversion left the score 14-14 at the half.
After strong defensive third quarter with no scoring, the game came down to the closing moments of the 4th quarter.
Gabriel Richard continued their ground assault and found success on another Nathan Palumbo run for 25 yards with 1:57 left in the game.
A converted PAT left the score 21-14.
Cranbrook had one last attempt to score, but turned the ball over on downs. Riverview Gabriel Richard lined up in victory formation and took a knee to run out the clock.
“A lot of credit goes to Richard for a well-executed game plan”, said Cranes Head Coach Scott Steward. “They were a tough opponent and played with passion.”
Cranbrook moves on to face Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard in a AA- CHSL conference game on the road next week.
Cranbrook can earn a potential berth to the MHSAA playoffs with one more victory, and will solidify a berth with two wins.