University Academy boasts talented duo

Tipton fans, don’t let last season’s 42-0 victory over University Academy fool you.

The Gryphons are a formidable opponent that will host the Cardinals at 7 p.m. today at Center High School in Kansas City in a Class 1  sectional football playoff.

Tipton coach Tony Braby  said last year’s regional playoff snowballed out of control for the Gryphons, but he recognized the talent they possess.

Quarterback Darrenn White and linebacker Auston Lablance have drawn interest from national scouts.

“He’s a great quarterback,” Braby said. “He has the  best arm we’ve faced. ... He can throw the ball 50 yards flat-footed.”

White has thrown for 1,674 yards on 92-of-139 passing, according to MaxPreps.com. He has 19 touchdowns and seven interceptions, but the passing game only scratches the surface of his talents.

“He can totally take over a game,” Braby said. “He gives coaches nightmares. Just when think you’ve got him, he escapes the pocket.

“You’ve got to be a good tackling team and try to contain him, keep him in the pocket.”

White, who has given a verbal commitment to the University of Wyoming, leads the Gryphons in rushing with 1,772 yards on 155 carries. He scored 25 rushing touchdowns.

Lablance (6-foot-3, 230 pounds) leads the Gryphons’ defense with 112 tackles and 10 sacks.

 “A lot of teams try to run away from him,” Braby said. “They put him in a lot of defensive positions.”

Lablance is White’s favorite target on offense. The tight end has a team-high 24 catches for a club-best 505 yards. He has four touchdowns receiving.

The Cardinals plan to bring the pressure on defense.

“(White) seems to have more problems when you  come at him. It makes him frustrated,” Braby said.

Keeping the ball away from the Gryphons’ offense would be the best way to contain White.

“We’d love to be able to grind it out and get some first downs,” Braby said. “We don’t want to get in a track meet with them (because they can strike so quickly).”

Braby expects the Gryphons to blitz early and often.

“They bring a lot of heat,” Braby said. “We try to get to the perimeter early, but they can chase you down. We’ll try to do everything we normally do. Hopefully, in the second half, we’ll start to wear them down and start going up the middle.”

University Academy  (9-2) reached the sectionals with a 49-28 win over Sweet Springs.

Tipton (11-0) beat Lone Jack 32-6 in Wednesday’s regional playoff.

Notes: University Academy won its first district football championship this season after making the playoffs for the first time in 2008. ... The Gryphons’ program is only seven years old. ... The Gryphons’ only losses were to Pembroke Hill (21-20) and West Platte (32-12).