Game Preview- Cranbrook vs. Redford Union

All-State K/P Chase Paulus is averaging 46 yards per punt in 2020.

(Photo Credit- J. Zaidan)

The Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Cranes will face the Redford Union Panthers in their regular season final this week.

The Panthers finished 6-4 last year and placed second in the Western Wayne Conference.

Panthers Head Coach Ian Iler has returned the Panthers to their MHSAA playoff form with a strong running game.

“They are a power team that comes straight at you,”, says Cranes Head Coach Steve Graf. “We must prepare for a good game from a well-coached team.”

The Panthers will be led by junior QB Curtis Keels, who has been a rushing leader and overall offensive threat. Keels ignited 350 yards of total offense in the Redford Union 35-15 victory over Garden City.

The Cranes finished 6-4 last in their second season in the AA-Division of the CHSL.

On the brink of their seventh straight appearance in the MHSAA playoffs, the Cranes are rising as the post season looms. Cranbrook posted nearly 300 all-purpose yards against Divine Child.

“We are coming off a good outing last week, along with a good week of practice. We have a lot of positive energy”, says Coach Graf.

Cranbrook will be led by junior QB Chase Zaiden who was 21 for 29 and 234 yards with 2 TD’s last week. Senior DE Bryce Hall who is the Cranes leading tackler leads the defensive effort.

Senior K/P Chase Paulus was named to the 2019 All-State D3-4 Football team.

"This will be a physical game. A good test of our preparation against a good football team" said Coach Graf.

The Cranbrook leads the series against Redford Union 2-0 with victories in 2017 and 2018.

This non-conference game will be played Saturday at 3:00 p.m. at Cranbrook.