TIPTON TIGERS
Coach: TRAVIS WHITE
14-0
OFFENSE
Tipton must replace six starters from its undefeated state championship team last year under head coach Travis White. Two starters return on offense. “We are losing six starters off our state championship team from last year. We will still be fast and have a lot of experienced kids,” White said. Key players on the offensive side of the ball include offensive lineman and VYPE Top 100 selection Keon Wade (6-4, 300, Sr.), running backs Johnny Fernandez (5-5, 150, Jr.), Ryken Shallenburger (5-6, 145, Sr.) and Arlen Taplin (5-8, 150, Sr.), tight end Cameron Ramirez (5-11, 150, Sr.) and fullback/tight end Brayden Fancher (5-10, 200, Sr.). “We will be a spread run offense this year. We will also throw the ball more,” White said. Shallenburger will be Tipton’s big playmaker. “Ryken has big play potential on both sides of the ball. He carved out space in the backfield last year when we had an All-Stater and an All-State alternate. He has elite speed and hands to be a good slot receiver.”
DEFENSE
The Tigers return three starters on defense, which will align in a 3-2. “The strength of our defense will be our ability to run to the ball and tackle,” White said. Ryken Shallenburger will be the key piece to the secondary. “He will take over a corner position. Last year he had four interceptions as a backup at this position,” White said. Keon Wade will anchor the defensive line at nose guard, Devin Nunley (5-11, 155, Jr.) and Arlen Taplin will line up alongside Wade at the defensive end spots, Johnny Fernandez will fill in at linebacker or safety, and Cameron Ramirez will be in the secondary with Shallenburger. “Cameron has worked hard for six years in our program and put himself in a position to be one of our best players this year. He is lanky, athletic, and has great ball skills when the ball is in the air. Cameron is more than willing to throw his body around and is a great tackler. He is tough as nails,” White said.
SCHEDULE
9-1 – at Alex
9-8 – vs. Central
9-15 – vs. Cyril
9-22 – vs. Bray-Doyle
9-29 – at Ryan
10-6 – at Geary
10-12 – vs. Grandfield
10-20 – at Mountain View-Gotebo
10-27 – vs. Corn Bible Academy
