Cranes Come Up Short in Catholic League Opener vs. Detroit Loyola

The Cranes opened the 2012 Catholic Leage season with the team favored to take the league title.  Detroit Loyola came ready to play, with size, speed and quickness.  The Cranes fought hard, but ended up on the short end of a 58 - 14 decision.

CK tried to catch the Bulldogs sleeping by attempting an onside kick to start the game.  Loyola recovered and pounded out the first of their 4 1st quarter TDs.  CK had the ball for 3 offensive series during the quarter but were unable to solve the Bulldog defense, failing to record a 1st down in the opening frame.  CK was holding the Bulldogs in check on their final drive of the quarter, but a penalty kept the Loyola drive alive and they were able to push into the end zone, taking a 24 - 0 lead at the end of the first quarter.

CK was forced to punt the ball away to the Bulldogs at the start of the 2nd quarter and Loyola moved the chains, recording another score.  Andy Thelen put up an 8 yard run to record the initial first down for the Cranes early in the 2nd quarter.  Joe Myrick followed with a couple of tough runs of his own to move the chains, but the drive stalled and Jake Hall pinned the Bulldogs deep in their own territory with a booming punt.  Loyola stuck quick, taking just 2 plays to drive 85 yards and another score.  The CK offense picked up in the 2nd quarter as Myrick ripped off a 15 yard gainer and Jake Hall completed a long pass to Danny Mogill, setting the Cranes up on the Bulldog 10 yard line.  Hall completed the drive with a touchdown pass to Brad Fraser to get the Cranes on the scoreboard.  Loyola answered with a drive of their own on the strength of a solid ground game.  The Bulldogs took a commanding 44 - 6 lead into the half.

The 3rd quarter saw the Bulldogs put up another couple of scores as the Cranes turned the ball over on downs and lost a fumble in the period.

Cameron Maxwell made his first appearance of the season at QB for the Cranes and completed a 58 yard touchdown pass to Danny Mogill.  Maxwell capped off the drive with a 2 point conversion toss to Brad Fraser to close out the scoring for the game, 58 - 14.

Jake Hall was 5 of 8 passing for the Cranes, picking up 58 yards.  Cameron Maxwell was 1 of 2 on the afternoon, also for 58 yards.  Danny Mogill led the CK receivers with 4 catches for 94 yards.  Brad Fraser had 2 grabs for 12 yards, a touchdown, and 2 point conversion.  Joe Myrick led the Crane ground attack, picking up 52 yards on 14 carries.  Andy Thelen gained 20 yards on 3 carries before leaving the game due to injury in the 3rd quarter.  John Luciani had 5 yards on 4 carries.

The Cranes are next in action vs. league foe Bishop Foley at Madison Heights.  Gametime 7pm.