The Cranes return to Ford Field to defend their Catholic League title this Saturday.
The Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Cranes (7 -1) will face the Clarkston Everest Collegiate Mountaineers (7-1) in the CHSL Championship Game, also known as the Prep Bowl, this weekend at Ford Field.
The Cranes are the defending champions of the Prep Bowl, winning the 2016 CHSL championship last year 30-0 over Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes. Cranbrook returns to the game for the 2nd straight year as the Intersectional I Division Champs.
“We are glad to be here to defend last year’s title,” says Cranes Head Coach Joe D’Angelo. “We established this at the beginning of the year as a team goal. I’m proud of the team’s efforts to return to Ford Field.”
Cranbrook enters the game 7-1 on the season-with victories over Redford Union 35-0, Detroit University Prep 37-0, Royal Oak Shrine 42-7, Allen Park Cabrini 56-7, Riverview Gabriel Richard 21-0, Lutheran North 49-27, and University Liggett 41-0. Cranbrook has just one loss on the year- a loss to Dearborn Divine Child 28-14.
“We have seen growth among our players,” said D’Angelo. “Many of them have executed well this year.”
Senior QB Trevor McConnell has 19 TDs on the year and a QBR of 142.0. Senior RB Aaron Wiggins has averages 11 yards per carry and scored 7 TD’s so far. The receiving trio of Senior WR Marqis Stokes, Junior WR Kobi Russell and Junior WR Torrell Williams average 21 yards, 20 yards and 17 yards per catch, respectively.
The Crane defense has only allowed 9 points per game on average, with 11 interceptions, 11 sacks, and 27 TFL’s on the year. Sophomore LB Jack Fairman has 60 tackles, with Senior DE Chris Smith with 45 tackles and Senior LB Andrew Mertz with 43.
K Pierson Cooke has 35 touchbacks on the year, with a 44 yard punt average.
Everest Collegiate also enters the contest 7-1, with victories over Chavez Academy 35 – 0, Lutheran Westland 36 – 0 , Bishop Foley 49 – 25, University Liggett 35 – 14 Cardinal Mooney Catholic 45 – 20, Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes 23 – 13 and Royals Oak Shrine Catholic 21 – 19.
Their only loss was to Nouvel Catholic Central 35 – 0.
“They are a well-prepared team that doesn’t give up the fight easily,” said Coach D’Angelo. “We will be tested by their aggressive play.”
Senior QB Grant Burgess, who completed 9-of-16 passes for 157 yards and one TD against Shrine, leads the Mountaineers. Junior RB Josh Legg and Senior RB Simon Fenske with three receptions for 84 yards and a score.
The winner of this game will be crowned the 2017 Catholic League Champion and receive the Prep Bowl Trophy.
The game will be played at Ford Field, home of the Detroit Lions, in Downtown Detroit. Tickets are $10. Kickoff is at 4:00 p.m.