Senior Tariq Muhammad breaks for a 62-yard TD run in the Cranes victory over Lutheran North
(S. Fairman- Photo Credit)
The Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Cranes (4-3) defeated the Macomb Lutheran North Mustangs (3-4) 24-15 in a CHSL crossover road game. The win moves the Cranes to 4-3 on the season as they fight for a sixth consecutive state playoff berth.
The Cranes opened the scoring on a 26-yard FG by junior K Chase Paulus at the 6:04 mark in the first quarter.
At the beginning of the 2nd quarter, Lutheran North’s offense put together a drive, resulting in a 1-yard TD run.
Cranbrook answered with another FG by Paulus, this time from 31 yards out at 2:04 left in the 2nd quarter.
The game stood at 7-6 in Lutheran North’s favor at the half.
In the third quarter, the Mustangs would strike again. This time on a short 4-yard TD pass from senior Angelo Basilico. A successful 2-point conversion put the game at 15-6 with 3:24 left in the third quarter.
On the ensuing drive Cranbrook took the ball on their own 30-yard line. Three plays later, the Cranes would strike back on a 62-yard run by senior RB Tariq Muhammed with 2:17 left in the third.
quarter.
The score stood at 15-13 Lutheran North going in to the 4th quarter.
On the next drive Basilico would throw an interception to senior LB Jack Fairman to give Cranbrook another possession, culminating in a 1-yard TD run by Fairman.
A 2-point conversion was good on a pass from sophomore QB Shane Wittenberg to Muhammad. The Cranes led 21-15 with 9:28 left in the game.
Another stalled Mustang drive gave the Cranes another set of downs. This time the Cranes would score on a 42-yard Chase Paulus FG.
The game would end 24-15 in the Cranes favor.
“We were able to put together a good second half, which helped us get a lead”, said Cranes head coach Ben Jones. “Lutheran North didn’t lose their fight and battled till the end.”
RB Tariq Muhammad finished 22 for 265 and 1 TD, junior K Chase Paulus had 3 FG’s including a 42-yarder.
Junior DE Bryce Hall led the defense with 6 tackles and 1 TFL, along with senior LB Jungwon Lee who added with another 6 tackles.
Senior LB/RB Jack Fairman added an interception on defense, to match his rushing TD on offense.
The win puts the Cranes one win away from qualifying for the MHSAA playoffs.
“We are in the hunt for the playoffs again and we hope to make a good run”, said Coach Jones.
The Cranes will face Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard at home next week.