Inderkum defense does it: The Tigers bounce back and slow Woodcreek’s dream season

Six days after getting crushed 45-0 at Jesuit, the Inderkum Tigers bounced back.

In a big Capital Valley Conference game Friday in Roseville, No. 7 Inderkum beat No. 13 Woodcreek 21-17. The game was sealed in the closing seconds by Christian Benham-Sheppard’s interception.

Inderkum coach Reggie Harris was relieved and proud. He expected his club to respond from the biggest loss in his career as a coach at a number of schools. Sometimes teams have bad games. Inderkum had its worst in years all in one day a week ago. That’s ancient history now for a Tigers team that is 4-1 overall and 2-0 in league play.

“It was a great win,” Harris said. “It was a dog fight. The kids didn’t quit. When you handle adversity, you just get motivated to want to be better.”

Woodcreek is 6-1 and 2-1. The Timberwolves were shooting for their first 7-0 start since the school opened in 1994.

Garrett Krupp scored Woodcreek’s two touchdowns on quarterback sneaks. For Inderkum, Jayden Johnson had a touchdown pass to Tremell Miles and a quarterback sneak, and Dexter Simmons had a touchdown run.

Johnson can relate to adversity as he experienced growing pains as a leader earlier this season. When he plays well, the Tigers play well, and when the Tigers play good defense, they really play well.

“It felt great just to contribute to the team,” Johnson said. “I love these guys and they love me. We all got each other’s back, and one of the things we live by is ‘hold the rope.’ That means we have to fight through adversity.”

Krupp said he was frustrated with his team’s effort, “We underperformed. We couldn’t get anything to go.”

Woodcreek coach Brad Hunkins said fatigue cost his team.

“We got tired on both sides of the ball and weren’t executing as well,” he said. “I have to give it to Coach Harris and the Inderkum Tigers. They played a physical style of football that we did not see on film.”

Hunkins added, “I’m proud of our kids. We weren’t on top of our game. We have to use it to get better. In a loss we find ways to get better.”

This story was originally published October 2, 2021 at 6:03 AM.