Unknown just two months ago, Highland Park junior guard Gustav Crane is already playing with confidence.
With this polished version of Crane as a first-year starter, the Giants' offense enters the postseason as a problem for opponents.
“The reps I got last year definitely helped me prepare,” he said. “Obviously, I was a little nervous when I took my first varsity snaps. But then as the weeks went by, I got used to the season.”
Highland Park's offensive output reflects the progress of the 6-foot, 195-pound Crane. On Friday, he completed 7 of 10 pass attempts for 127 yards and two touchdowns and ran for a touchdown as the playoff-bound Giants crushed Maine East 49-0 on the road to claim their first Central Suburban North title since 2017.
Highland Park (7-2, 5-0) scored 21 points in a season-opening win over Leiden, which remains the lowest total for an offense that has averaged 38.2 points in conference games.
The Giants' game plan against Maine East (0-9, 0-5) was revealed early. Crane's first three passes were long shots down the field. The third attempt connected with junior wide receiver Zion Wood for 36 yards, and junior running back Jayden Corchado scored on a 1-yard plunge on the next play for the first of his two touchdowns.
“Getting them out early is always what we try to do, especially against a team we have to beat,” Crane said. “It’s a fun way to come out of the gate – start fast and keep the pressure on.”
It helps that the Giants have a senior wide receiver. Lucas Gordonwho passed 2,000 career yards in the previous game. Crane found Gordon in the end zone on an easy pitch-and-catch play on back-to-back possessions in the second quarter, extending the lead to 28-0. Crane limited the starters' contributions just before halftime with a 6-yard touchdown run.
Crane actually leads the team in speed, which doesn't surprise his coaches. His improved passing has made him a dual-threat defender.
“He worked incredibly hard in the offseason and became a much better passer,” Highland Park coach Anthony Copp said. “We always knew he would be a good runner, but he's worked on his throwing skills. He sees the field very well and does a good job of staying calm under pressure. He's grown a lot.”
Crane agrees with Kopp on this point.
“I didn’t play much last year, so I didn’t know what I was capable of,” Crane said. “I've really shown what I can do and found who I am. I can make shots, and I've really found myself as a leader, that I can lead a team. That's the main thing I've learned.”
Crane admits he still needs to become more vocal. But if he continues to play at this high level, the Giants will continue to follow him through the playoffs and then into next season.
“He's gotten a lot better and it shows in how hard he worked over the summer,” Highland Park starter Max Stevens said. “He's done a great job. It's good to see how well he plays and we have confidence in him as our quarterback.”
During the offseason, Crane emphasized repetitions. He also worked on a more efficient throw.
“I've played baseball my whole life (as a catcher and pitcher), so arm strength isn't an issue,” Crane said. “In the spring and summer, I was always throwing the ball to my receivers on the weekends and after practice. I also train myself with a coach, and it has a lot to do with technique. I had to learn how to throw the ball.”
As the season progressed, Crane realized that the Giants' defense could play just as well. The starting lineup did not score a single point in conference games.
“It definitely helped me that I could trust my defense and it really helped me gain confidence in myself knowing that I still have to do my best, but I have a defense to lean on,” Crane said.
Crane also points to the Giants' two losses, which were close games in back-to-back games against Schaumburg and Conant.
“We knew we had to win both of those games,” he said. “But we learned from them, and looking back, it was good for us because it forced us to bounce back.”
Steve Riven is a freelance reporter.
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