Tipton defense impressive in Gold Ball march

For years we’ve seen monopolies among the various Oklahoma classes of football programs, schools like Bixby and Carl Albert in recent years and programs like Jenks, Union and even Morrison in years past.

While Tipton may not be among that list just yet, it’s hard to argue that the Tigers aren’t becoming a dominating eight-man power after winning their second straight Class C crown and fifth in the past eight seasons and 10 overall title.

Friday the Tigers capped another perfect 14-0 season by winning four straight playoff games by a combined margin of 208-18 and ending their first three playoff games via the 45-point mercy rule.

Yes, head coach Travis White and his program were dominating to say the least.

“We only allowed six first downs in the semifinals and finals,” White said. “We had played Ryan before and it was a close game (40-32) and we changed a few things up for the finals. We used a 3-2 defense but we also ran a good deal of 4-man front in the finals. Our defense just did an amazing job in not allowing a touchdown.”

The Tigers did allow a return touchdown but that was it in the title game and semifinals.

White talked about the players on that tough defensive unit.

“Keon Wade is our nose guard and he is the anchor in there,” White said. “Arlen Taplin is super quick on the edge and he’s a freshman. Chris Addy is about 6-4 and is the end on the other edge.”

While those players were impressive, the linebackers were all over the field making tackles.

“Davieon Brown is a freshman who is a strong kid and super physical,” White added. “Landon Pool had a really big hit early in the game. He is super fast and aggressive. I think those linebackers saw the biggest improvement in our defense. They really made our defense much better as they improved.”

The secondary included standouts Johnny Fernandez and Ryken Shallenburger, who both went down in the game with injuries. White gave a quick injury update before getting back to saluting his defense.

“Johnny did break both the tibia and fibula above his ankle and had surgery Saturday,” White said. “They put a rod in it and by Saturday afternoon they had his standing and putting weight on it. He also plays basketball but he will miss that but there is a chance he may return for the track season.

“Ryken broke three bones in his foot but he didn’t need surgery and will use a walking boot until it heals. He is another big track star who runs in the 200 and all our relays, They are thinking he will be out for 8 to 12 weeks.”

When they went down, the secret weapon was Cameron Ramirez.

“Cameron started the season with a bum ankle but while he was out, he spent hours marking up the scouting report for us,” White said. “When he was able to play he became a coach on the field for us. We have a great group of guys including some quality backups. Johnny had some big hits and big tackles before he went down and his speed is something you can’t find very often.

“I was super proud of the team for overcoming those two big injuries. That’s what this program is all about, putting guys on the field who can make plays whenever they are needed.”

The offense also had to make adjustments after Shallenburger went down in the first half and then Fernandez in the third quarter.

“Taplin came up with some big plays after coming in for Ryken,” White said. “Arlen hadn’t played running back except early in the season but he really did a good job when he had to step in there.”

There were several other key players on the offensive side.

“Davieon (Brown) plays fullback and had some good carries and he blocked well,” the coach added. “Roy Manriquez is another freshman who had his number called and went right there and did a good job. He blocked well.”

Another freshman who gives the Tigers consistency into the future is freshman quarterback Kadence Sheffield.

“Kaden threw the ball well in the first half and he really stepped up big when our two star backs went down,” White said. “He helped get the guys in the right spots. On that first touchdown he had a lot of pressure from the Ryan defense but got the ball off and gave us the early lead. We also had JJ Jillah come in and make some good carries on offense.”

Plus, the offensive linemen played well according to White.

“Keon Wade had to move to tight end in the second quarter and Weston Cryer had to step in at guard in the second half,” White said. “Erick Stottle is our center and he did a great job against Ryan’s nose guard who is really quick. Landon Pool is the other guard and obviously those guys all blocked well.

Another important factor in the success of the Tigers is the job White and his staff are doing.

“Of course, Coach (Robert) Babcock has won a state title during his head coaching career and he’s a valuable asset,” White said. “Our basketball coach, Joe Harbert, is our defensive coordinator and he watches a great deal of film to prepare our defense each week.

“Lane Chandler was a two-time state championship quarterback for us in 2017 and 2018 and he’s balancing helping us coach and going to college, He really connects to the kids. And my dad (Teddy White) helps in an advisory role. He sees things we might miss and helps us make adjustments. We have as good a staff as any eight-man program in the state”

With the 28-game winning streak and two straight titles and a host of returning talent, the Tigers seem destined to try and extend that streak next fall and after their success over the past two seasons, who can doubt that this program is geared up for any challenges that might arise.