QB Trevor McConnell threw for 2 TD's in the Cranes victory over Lutheran North
The Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Cranes (6-1) (3-0) defeated the Macomb Lutheran North Mustangs 49-27 in a CHSL road game. The win moves the Cranes to 6-1 on the season and clinches a fourth consecutive state playoff berth.
The Cranes opened the scoring on a 53-yard pass from senior QB Trevor McConnell to junior WR Torrell Williams at the 11:12 mark in the first quarter. A PAT by senior K Pierson Cooke made the 7-0 in Cranbrook’s favor.
On the next drive, Lutheran North’s offense stalled, forcing a punt. Cranbrook sophomore LB Jack Fairman blocked a Lutheran North punt and recovered it in the end zone for a touchdown. After another successful PAT, the score stood at 14-0 with 9:31 left in the 1st period.
Early in the second quarter, the Cranes would strike again. This time a 67-yard TD pass from McConnell to senior WR Marqis Stokes put the game at 21-0 with 11:10 left in the second quarter.
Another stalled Lutheran North drive would give Cranbrook the ball with good field position. The Cranes would punch in a score on a 2-yard run by sophomore Tariq Muhammed with 8:08 left before halftime.
An interception would give Cranbrook another possession, culminating in a 1-yard TD run by Fairman. The Cranes led 35-0 with 3:03 left in the half.
Another Mustang turnover gave the Cranes another set of downs. Muhammed would fine pay dirt again on a 14-yard scamper. This touchdown would leave the Cranes with a 42-0 at half time.
The Mustangs would get on the board early in the 3rd quarter on a 13 yard pass by QB Tyler Davie, but the Cranes would answer on a 99-yard run by Fairman. The score stood at 49-7 Cranbrook at the end of the 3rd quarter.
Lutheran North would find a few successful drives in the 4th period, put it would not be enough to overcome the wide margin. The game would end 49-27 in the Cranes favor.
“We were able to put together a good first half, which gave us a lead”, said Cranes head coach Joe D’Angelo. “Lutheran North didn’t lose their fight and battled till the end.”
QB Trevor McConnell finished 5 for 9 on 180 yards and 2 TD’s, senior WR Marqis Stokes and junior WR Torrell Williams both had TD catches.
RB Jack Fairman had 99 yards rushing, with 1 rushing TD and 1 blocked kick recovery in the end zone for a TD. On defense, Fairman also had 1 interception and led the team with 6 tackles. Senior LB Andrew Mertz had 2 sacks on the night.
The win over the CHSL divisional opponent also solidifies the Cranes return to the Catholic League Prep Bowl, where they will defend their title from last year.
“We are excited to make the state playoffs again and we hope to make a deeper run. We are also glad to fulfill our goal to get back to the Catholic League Championship”, said D’Angelo.
The Cranes will face Grosse Point Woods University Liggett next week at home in their final CHSL Intersectional game.