Tipp capitalizes on Sidney miscues for 42-6 victory

If there was ever a doubt that Tippecanoe was ready to play on Friday night, it was answered on the opening play of the game.

The Red Devils pounced on their kickoff that landed inside the Sidney red zone without being touched, setting up two plays later the opening score of the game, opening the door for a 42-6 running clock victory over the Yellow Jackets. With the win, Tipp moves to 7-0 overall and solidifies their chances to host in the playoffs in the next few weeks.

“We thought special teams wise, we could take advantage of some things and getting two fumble recoveries on kickoffs was huge,” Tipp coach Matt Burgbacher said. “It put us in some good positions. We had some things we have to clean up, but I was proud of how the kids came out and set the tone early.”

Tipp recovered the opening kickoff fumble and shortly after, Xavier Melton scored from one yard out giving Tipp a very quick 7-0 lead less than one minute into the game.

The Yellow Jackets moved into Tipp territory before being stopped on a fourth down, giving the ball to Tipp which was not a good thing for the Jackets.

A touchdown pass from Larkin Thomas to Jackson Davis from 47 yards out at 6:15 of the opening quarter pushed the Tipp lead to 14-0.

Sidney was called for a big fourth down pass interference penalty on Tipp’s next drive allowing the Red Devils to get inside the ten, and Melton finished off the drive making it 21-1 still with 2:21 left in the period.

Sidney scored on their next possession and intercepted Thomas on their next drive, but the Tipp defense rose to the occasion.

A tipped pass at the line of scrimmage was intercepted by Tipp’s Collin Isaac which later turned into points when Melton scored from three yards out with 6:20 left in the half, pushing the Tipp lead to 28-6.

On the ensuing kickoff, Tipp again perfectly placed the kickoff in a spot where the Red Devils could get it. Melton caught a huge 50-yard touchdown catch, giving the Red Devils a 35-6 lead. Tipp closed out the scoring in the closing minute of the half when Thomas hit Davis on a 25 yard scoring pass to give the Red Devils a 42-6 lead and running clock in the second half.

“We played well tonight but we did make a lot of mistakes,” Burgbacher said. “That was a tough grueling four game stretch, and the kids handled it.”

Thomas threw for 199 yards on 13-23 passing. Melton ran the ball for 121 yards.

Tipp now heads to West Carrollton Friday night at 7p.m.