Tipton has a shot at redemption

In what looks to be a defensive contest, the second-ranked Tipton Cardinals (12-0) will host No. 4 Thayer (11-1) in a Class 1 state semifinal playoff showdown  at 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

The teams met under similar circumstances last year, setting up an intriguing semifinal rematch that showcases two well-balanced teams peaking at the right time.

Thayer handed Tipton a 35-24 loss last year off 21 late unanswered points, erasing a 10-point deficit at Tipton and vaulting the Bobcats to a championship berth. Orrick defeated Thayer 20-8 for the state title.

“If this was the first time we ever saw Thayer, I would be concerned,” Cardinals coach Tony Braby said. “I’ve got the upmost respect for them, but these are two different teams this year in that both clubs lost a bunch of seniors. We had the lead for over three quarters last year and we played them close. We know we can hang with them once again. They play power football as opposed to us playing with speed and finesse. We know what we’re up against and they’re a tough team.”

Thayer has proven to be a force on both sides of the ball this year, averaging over 35 points a contest and limiting its opponents to 11 points a game.

One key to the Bobcats’ success has been their turnover ratio. Thayer’s defense has forced 26 turnovers and the offense has surrendered the ball only three times, an impressive figure considering the Bobcats’ reliance on the run.

Thayer quarterback Jacob Eckman has ignited the Bobcats’ prolific offense this season, getting the job done through the air and on the ground. The senior has combined for 29 touchdowns and over 2,000 yards of total offense this season, heading a rushing attack that averages 300 yards a game.

“They live or die with their quarterback. He’s 6-1 and around 200 pounds and he’s their leading rusher and performs well in the pocket,” Braby said. “It’s a double-edged sword be-cause if you pay too much attention to the run, they’re going to run play-action and throw the ball all over us. We just have to make our assignments and execute our game plan, and we’ll be fine.”

The Bobcats have three other running backs shouldering the load. Carey Cameron, Josh Huckabee and Ethan Leisenring have combined for 1,900 yards and 25 TDs on the ground. Tipton’s defense will likely see a steady diet of the run game Saturday, but the Cardinals’ defense has stood up to the pressure all season long.

Tipton has forced six shutouts on the year, allowing double digit points twice and limiting its opponents to an average of four points a contest.

“Defense has really been a bright spot,” Braby said. “We have seven new guys on defense this year and they’ve played great. We’re not big and we  replaced some 180-pound linebackers with 140-pound guys, but the quickness is making up for the lack of size. We’re tough and we run a good weight program here to add to the speed and quickness of our defense.”

Equipped with an imposing defense, Tipton will rely on big stops to set up an equally gifted Cardinals offense that is showing signs of wear.

The Cardinals will be without leading rusher Keil Allison, who suffered a concussion against Midway two weeks ago. In his place, the Cardinals will rely on Jonathan Loganbill. The junior fullback highlighted the Cardinals offensive surge last week, rushing for 159 yards and two touchdowns in a 19-0 victory over Greenfield. This week his workload will look the same.

“Loganbill had a great game against Greenfield and that causes teams to be accountable for his athleticism,” Braby said. “He’s not like Keil where he’ll bust it consistently to the outside. But if defenses sleep on him, he’ll bust out a big run. He’s not as flashy. He’s more of a north-south runner and is a typical tough fullback. Loganbill’s stepped up beautifully, but he’s been there before. When Keil rolled his ankle earlier in the year, Jonathan stepped in his place, so he understands that transition.”

With a trip to the state championship on the line, junior quarterback Marcus Brinkley understands the Cardinals have multiple threats to put points on the scoreboard against a stout Thayer defense Saturday afternoon.

“We don’t skip a beat with one man out,” Brinkley said. “We’re going to try to spread them out a bit with the pass. We’re also going with the inside run and we’ll rely on Tanner (Edwards) to bounce it to the outside.”

With all the tools in place, Tipton will look for a combination of experience and redemption to fuel a semifinal win and a trip to the Jones Dome in St. Louis.

“This is our second semifinal game and our younger guys saw the hurt the seniors felt last year falling just short of the championship game,” Braby said. “They don’t want to experience that again. We have to play our best, get some luck and limit our mistakes. The teams at this level are good, and we’re just going to have to play the games of our lives every game.”