Crock & Roll

Four-Star Receiver Isaah Crocker Is Newest Inderkum Star To Embrace The Task Of Landing Program Its First SJS Title•

Story By JIM MCCUE | Photos By JAMES K. LEASH

At Inderkum High School, there are expectations. High expectations year in and year out.

That’s what winning at least 10 games per year for more than a decade, and sending one or two players to Division I football programs on scholarship each year brings.

Those expectations also bring responsibility. A responsibility for the latest crop of senior stars to claim the team as its own and lead the Tigers into the postseason with an eye on claiming the program’s first Sac-Joaquin Section championship.

Senior wide receiver Isaah Crocker, a third-year varsity player, has taken the reins as a team captain by commanding respect and attention from teammates and notice from college recruiters.

“I told him after the section championship that this team wasn’t mine anymore, and it was going to be his and a couple of other junior impact players’ team,” said Trajon Cotton from Oregon State, where he just began his collegiate athletic and academic career. “I think he took that to heart and is going to do amazing things this year.”

Crocker looks for room after making a catch during a 2016 SJS Div. III playoff game at Sacramento High.

If the end of Crocker’s junior year is any indication, amazing things can definitely be achieved by the speedy 6-foot-1, 180-pound pass catcher. In just nine games, Crocker caught 31 passes for 746 yards and 10 touchdowns, including an eye-opening postseason in which he had 15 receptions and six TDs. His biggest statistical game was the Division II championship against Del Oro-Loomis, where he had a season-high six catches for 100 yards, but Inderkum suffered a 35-13 loss to the defending section and state champions.

The loss was the Tigers’ fourth in a section title game, but it was not discouraging for Crocker and the rest of the players who’d be returning for 2017. Those plalyers have their sights squarely set on ending the streak of close calls, which also include numerous semifinal appearances.

“We’re there, but we have to fully grasp the prize,” Crocker said of Inderkum getting close year after year. “My main goal this year is to lead our team to be the best that we can be, and be the first Inderkum team to win a section championship.”

Although the Tigers sent Cotton, who played quarterback and defensive back, and tight end/defensive end Josh Falo to Oregon State and USC, respectively, coach Terry Stark still has plenty of talent and the program’s signature speed to take another run at the elusive title.

The Tigers’ wing-T offense will likely be led by senior ball carriers Destynd Lewis and Leevi Lafaele, who combined for  220 carries and nearly 1,700 yards. Lafaele’s speed was on full display at the annual Nike NorCal football event earlier this year where he boosted his recruiting stock as a linebacker with the capability to chase down opposing runners from sideline to sideline. Joining Crocker at receiver is close friend and fellow senior Davion Ross, who will also lead a solid defensive secondary after leading the team with nine interceptions in 2016.

“Our strengths are definitely speed and our defense,” Ross said of the Tigers. “We always talk about swarming on defense and getting 11 heads on the football. Everyone has to be on the ball and get there to make the play.”

Ross has high expectations for the Tigers in his final season, and understands that a lot will be expected of him and Crocker. As the team’s top defensive back, he matches up against Crocker regularly and knows all too well the big-play ability of his friend and possibly most difficult cover assignment he will face all season long.

“He can make very tough catches and his jumping ability is a big strength,” Ross said.

The daily showdowns between Crocker and Ross have shown the rest of the Tigers how to compete in practice and make each other better. Their examples of hard work and determination have also elevated the seniors to leadership roles that they embrace.

Crocker credits Falo, Cotton, and other past players during his two years on varsity with demonstrating how to lead the team. He communicates regularly with Cotton, whom he considers a mentor and brother, to continue to pick his friend’s mind about leading the team both on and off the field. Crocker and Cotton said they probably talk or text every single day despite being in different states now, and benefit greatly from the enduring relationship.

“He and Josh would always push the team and other guys at their position,” Crocker said. “Trajon would have the DBs do extra work after practice was done, and encourage everyone to do more work even after the coaches were done.”

Crocker’s desire to help others extends beyond the football field and has become a goal for him in his life and potentially for his future career.

“I’m a team player and always try to do my best to lead and represent the team, school, and community,” he said. “I want to help others and want to give back.”

Because he lost his mother at a young age, Isaah has a desire to help others, especially kids in need.

“I want to have a long-term effect,” he said. “I am thinking about four years in college, so that I can do as much as I can and give back.”

On the field, Crocker’s focus will be on giving his team full effort and plenty of points as one of Northern California’s top wide receivers. His high-flying talent has brought offers from big-time college programs from across the nation, from which he has narrowed his choices to a final five of Alabama, UCLA, Nebraska, Oregon, and Oregon State. Isaah expects to make a commitment after the high school season is over, but is clear that he will make his decision based on what he feels is the best fit for him, including academics, coaching staff and the feel of the campus.

Crocker says that he will visit each school and will listen to friends and past teammates to help make an informed decision when the time comes. The list of potential consultants include Najee Harris (Alabama), Lamar Jackson (Nebraska), and Cotton (Oregon State).

But the first order of business for Crocker is each Inderkum game, starting with its Aug. 25 opener at Elk Grove.

“The recruiting process has been a blessing and crazy,” Crocker said, “but I can’t wait to play Elk Grove and get the season started.”

Exactly what is expected from one of Inderkum’s team leaders.