Statistically speaking, Isaiah Lacey appeared on course to become one of Indian Creek’s all-time best wide receivers.
This season, the senior was needed elsewhere.
Playing quarterback, Lacey has rushed for 891 yards and passed for 747 entering the Braves’ game at Class 4A No. 9 Northview this evening to decide the Western Indiana Conference championship.
The position switch wasn’t a total shock to Lacey’s system. He played quarterback in youth league football.
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"We talked in the offseason, so there was always the possibility that he’d move to quarterback," second-year Braves coach Brett Cooper said. "He was really excited once we made the decision to go that way.
"Football IQ-wise, Isaiah is really smart. As a wideout he knows where the ball is supposed to go. He is, by far, the most selfless kid I’ve ever coached. Whatever we ask him to do, his only response is, ‘OK.’"
Since breaking onto the varsity scene as a freshman in 2015, Lacey has played, in no particular order, at receiver, quarterback, free safety, strong safety, outside linebacker and kick returner.
Along with his gaudy all-purpose numbers on offense, he’s made 260 tackles and two interceptions in his career. Playing in the defensive secondary, Lacey is the Braves’ third-leading tackler this season with 55.
His versatility makes for an interesting few seconds when people unfamiliar with Indian Creek football ask Lacey what position he plays.
“I usually just say, “I play a little bit of everything,’” the 6-foot-2, 185-pound senior said, laughing. “But I prefer being a wide receiver. I’m more comfortable there, and most of my achievements have been as a receiver. It’s my route running and ability to catch the ball naturally.
“(College) coaches say they like my breakaway speed and field vision. And I think I’m a good downfield blocker.”
Four college programs have shown interest in Lacey — Division III representatives Franklin College and Trine and NAIA schools Indiana Wesleyan and St. Francis. The latter is recruiting him as a strong safety, while the others envision Lacey as a receiver.
Wherever he goes, Lacey is interested in majoring in computer science, with the long-range plan to be in cyber security. He’s ranked in the top five of Indian Creek’s senior class with a 4.54 grade-point average.
In the meantime, Lacey is trying to lead Indian Creek to a league title and as deep into the postseason as possible. The Braves (5-3) open Class 3A sectional play October 19 against Crispus Attucks in a game to be played at Arsenal Tech.
Excellent student and leader. On pace to graduate with eight varsity letters in athletics. All in all, the kid running and throwing tonight has been quite a catch.
“Whenever I hear positive stuff about my career, I thank God for everything I’ve been able to do,” Lacey said. “It’s awesome to see that all this hard work has paid off."
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Isaiah Lacey’s year-by-year yardage for Indian Creek the past four seasons:
Year;Pass;Rush;Rec;Ret
2015;0;-1;299;119
2016;69;120;531;46
2017;64;66;890;34
2018;590;778;0;0
Totals;723;963;1,720;199
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TONIGHT’S GAMES
Greenwood at Whiteland, 7 p.m.
Cathedral at Center Grove, 7 p.m.
Franklin at Decatur Central, 7 p.m.
Indian Creek at Northview, 7 p.m.
Roncalli at Guerin Catholic, 7 p.m.
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