Indian Creek’s sectional semifinal game went much like its season did — turbulent.
Class 3A No. 4 Danville overpowered the Braves from the beginning, crafting out a 39-6 win to advance to the sectional championship game next week against Tri-West.
The rainy, gloomy, Halloween-like conditions were no problem for Danville (10-1), as the Warriors treated themselves to their ninth straight win. The Warriors also racked up 241 total yards in the muck, all on the ground.
Meanwhile, Indian Creek (3-8) had its extension cord to the season cut in what could be considered a merciful end to the year in which the Braves had two different head coaches. Steve Spinks resigned with two games left in the regular season; he was followed by interim head coach Dan Rector, who won one of his four games as the Braves’ mentor.
“We had senior leaders this year and I wish I had more of them, but the kids we had were great leaders and they are going to leave a legacy for the younger kids, and we’ll be bouncing back,” Rector said.
All in all, this was a game for Danville to flex its muscle and cause concern for future playoff teams. The Warriors are hoping to have another deep run in the playoffs like last season, when they were the Class 3A state runner-up.
With defending champion Bishop Chatard now in 4A, the Warriors could return to Lucas Oil Stadium and perhaps move up a step.
They moved a step closer on the opening kickoff where Brian Wuest ran it back 86 yards, proving the rain wasn’t going to slow the run.
The Warriors scored on the ground three more times in the first half, with Dave Poppa going 23 yards on an end run, Wuest scoring from the 20 and Caydon Madding on a 5-yard plunge.
Toss in a 22-yard field goal by Caleb Harvey, and it was a comfortable 31-0 halftime lead for the Warriors.
One more score — a 7-yard plunge by Teke Tanksley — and it was a running clock in the second half.
Indian Creek didn’t reach Warrior territory until midway through the third, but they made the most of it as Aidan Neathery scored from 7 yards out.
Neathery had most of Indian Creek’s yardage output with 64 yards rushing. The Braves had 88 altogether. Lance Butler provided a defensive highlight with an end-zone interception.
But for Indian Creek, the equipment manager will be busy collecting gear on Saturday.
However, despite this being the Braves’ first losing season in 20 years, there were several bright spots on the season, among them senior quarterback Neathery and senior running back and linebacker Brandon Murray.
Moreover, the Braves played went a game further in the playoffs than last season.
“When you look back on the season, the positive was we had a lot of young guys who gained experience,” Rector said.
As for coming back full time, Rector would like to.
“I definitely want to be a part of Indian Creek football,” he said.
