Bracht leads Tipton in all three phases of game

As one of the premiere defensive backs in the area, senior Chris Bracht doesn’t get beat too often in the secondary. Matching up against the best opposing receiver every week, he takes pride in being the leader of a defensive effort that allows only 9.4 points a contest.

He knows the position well, understanding how the mind of a dominant receiver works. How? Because he is one.

The 6-foot-1 senior stars as Tipton’s primary weapon downfield, evidenced by his Mid-Missouri Conference high 18 touchdown receptions this season.

Not to be caged in by the dual role, the senior also moonlights as a punter and kicker, called upon for extra points, field goals and punts.

“I remember running into Chris at our youth punt, pass and kick camps,” Tipton coach Tony Braby said. “He impressed me so much back then as an (underclassman) that I remembered him and knew his versatility could be an asset to our team. We decided we could put him back there as a kicker, and really utilize him in any role. He’s soft spoken so he’s not going to volunteer himself, but I’m just glad I paid attention back then because he’s a natural, just like his dad, who can pick up anything quick.”

In every role, Bracht holds himself to a different standard. As a receiver in a run-heavy offense, he knows that when a ball comes his way, it’s an opportunity to keep opposing defenses honest. As a punter, while not called on often, he understands that field position is key. As a kicker, he knows the importance of capping off drives by splitting the uprights. And lastly, in the position that influences the team most, he recognizes the responsibility of leading the secondary.

He feeds off open-field tackles, pass deflections and interceptions, limiting the passing game with his height, speed and awareness while also serving as the last line of defense behind a dominant defensive line. He’s been integral to the team’s success on defense, amassing a career-high nine picks this year after collecting eight last year.

Highlighted by performances like last week’s performance against Adrian in the Class 1 state quarterfinals, he’s a flat-out playmaker.

The effort against Adrian was par for the course, but in understanding who Bracht is, it’s the plays he doesn’t make that fuel his perfection — plays like one that occurred against the second-ranked Blackhawks.

Ahead 14-0, Tipton’s defense took the field early in the first quarter looking to force its third-straight turnover. The opportunity arose on the first play from scrimmage as Trevor Gregg looked for Skyler Kariker on an out route to the right sideline. Bracht anticipated the throw and bit underneath the route, setting himself to intercept the pass for a Pick-6. The throw, however, was perfect. Kariker made the catch just over the reach of Bracht and tiptoed the sideline for a 73-yard score, Adrian’s only touchdown on the afternoon.

The Cardinals regrouped to lead 20-7 at the half, but Bracht was still upset over his first half-performance.

“First half was a little slow for me,” Bracht said. “I gave up that touchdown and I decided at halftime, ‘Man, I got to step up my ‘D.’ ’ I knew I needed to lay back on my coverage and read (the play), just compose myself.”

Bracht adjusted to the tune of two interceptions, as he and his secondary limited Kariker to just 14 receiving yards in the second half.

The second-half effort was no surprise to Braby, who recognizes more than anyone the contributions Bracht brings to the team every week.

“Chris Bracht has been there all year for us,” the coach said. “Whether it’s D-back or wide receiver, punter or kicker, he’s just been there. It’s just great to have someone like that you can count on to shine at any role. He’s definitely a one-in-a-million type player.”

STATE SEMIFINAL
Valle Catholic at Tipton
1:30 p.m. Saturday