Bloomfield Hills

Still confident

By Mike Moore
C & G Staff Writer

Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood football's belief in playoff possibility remains high

BLOOMFIELD HILLS — The confidence remains.

The belief in one another, the goals that were set weeks ago, the hope that accompanies the start of every season, that’s all still intact.

This may seem surprising considering the Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood football team has begun the year with two difficult losses and a 33-20 loss to Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest Sept. 13.

Still, with their playoff lives hanging in the balance and a record that would force some teams to wave a white flag, the Cranes remain resilient.

The reason, well, that remains simple.

“If we can just get this offense in gear, we are going to be very tough to beat,” coach Gary Gerson said during practice as the team was preparing to meet Northwest.

“We’re facing some challenges right now, but we really have played some good football. We’re still learning as we go.”

Cranbrook runs the spread offense — designed to stretch defenses, utilize speed and athleticism, and attack the outside. While having solid players in the skill positions is a must, so is having an offensive line that can protect those behind it.

“There’s just so much youth and inexperience on the line right now; guys are still figuring everything out,” said center David Dietz, a senior captain, Troy resident and the only returning starter on the offensive line.

“All the assignments we have are pretty basic. It’s just tough when guys that haven’t played much before are thrust into a starting spot.”

“When we have time to make plays, we make them,” said senior receiver Steven Peck, a captain who resides in Grosse Pointe. “Those guys (the offensive line) will get it, and when they do, we’re going to be all right.”

There have been glimpses.

In the second game of the season, a 47-27 loss at Clarenceville High, the Cranes’ offense exploded for 270 passing yards and four touchdowns from junior quarterback Dakota Sherman, all in the fourth quarter.

“It was against their second unit, but it’s still encouraging to see what we really can do when things are done correctly,” Gerson said. “We know we have the talent and potential.”

They also have the belief.

Heading into their week-three game, practices were run in an upbeat tempo, the mood was unmistakably good and spirits unmistakably high.

“We know we can be better,” Peck said. “The confidence of this group hasn’t changed one bit.”

“Things are going to work,” Gerson added. “Whether it’s in the first few weeks or as the season grows older, these kids have faith we’re going to be all right.

"The morale of this squad and of these guys is something I’ve never questioned. They believe in themselves. They believe in what we still want to do.”

Playoffs?  A Metro Conference title?

“Those remain our biggest goals,” Dietz said. “Those are goals we still believe in.”

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Mike Moore at mmoore@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1038.