Homecoming was just what Indian Creek needed.
Not only was it the first time the Braves had played at home in two weeks, it turned out to be an easier game than they expected as Indian Creek thrashed Indianapolis Manual, 41-0, Friday night.
The Braves may have expected an easy game against the usually outmanned Redskins, but it was even more so as Manual had only 15 players on the sideline. Between that and a running clock for the entire second half, the game measured equal parts breather for the starters and experience maker for many of the younger Indian Creek players.
“We played a tough bunch of kids and they forced us to punt on our first possession,” Indian Creek coach Steve Spinks said. “Defensively, we’re trying to get better and better, and our defensive coordinator John Butler did a great job again.”
The Braves didn’t put up big numbers in offensive yards thanks to the defense keeping the Redskins bottled up in their end of the field for most of the game.
Indian Creek’s defense recorded six sacks and Manual entered Indian Creek territory only twice. Overall, Manual (1-4) mustered 25 yards.
For Indian Creek, senior tailback Connor Fruits was the workhorse, rushing for 168 yards and four touchdowns. His scores came on runs of 1, 15, 20 and 5 yards.
Aidan Neathery also scored on a 3-yard run in the first quarter.
Understandably, the Braves really didn’t need to air it out much, but when they did throw, it was a slick 45-yard touchdown pass from Neathery to Sam Creek on the final play of the first half.
That made it 39-0 and kick-started the running clock.
Indian Creek’s defense closed out the scoring with a safety in the fourth quarter.
“We were fortunate to put ourselves in this situation with some hard work and preparation,” Spinks said. “(Manual) came out with some things different than what they thought they would do, but eventually we were able to overcome.”
Next week, Indian Creek (5-2) take on Sullivan in an all-important Western Indiana Conference game.
“We’d better be putting things together,” Spinks said.
