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Talented Tigers roaring in District B-1
With the tradition Tipton has
established, last season's 6-5 finish was somewhat of a disappointment. A slow start hurt the Tigers in 1999 as they opened the
season 0-4 but Jim Kerbo's squad finished the regular season with six straight
wins taking second in a tough District B-2 race.
The run ended, though, as the Tigers fell 26-24 in overtime to Cherokee
in the first round of the playoffs. This
season Kerbo is emphasizing a new, more committed, attitude to his 47 players,
which includes 14 who saw starting action at one time or another last season.
The Tiger's new attitude and experience, along with Tipton's size, speed,
and talent could spell trouble for district foes as the Tigers are among the
favorites to take the district crown.
Senior Justin White returns under
center where he helped the Tigers with 1,500 yards of total offense last season.
White's numbers should improve this season as a better supporting cast
will take some of the pressure off him. Leading
that supporting cast is junior Robert Jasper who rushed for 1,600 yards and 17
touchdowns last season and runs a 4.4 forty-yard dash.
Jasper heads a talented group of speedsters in the Tiger's backfield
including seniors Anthony Hill and Jay Abernathy.
That trio will be joined by two outstanding youngsters in Anthony's
brother sophomore Eric Hill and their cousin freshman Shawn Hill.
Look for the Tiger's I-formation attack to include a formidable passing
game as well with senior Luke Boyd returning at tight end and junior Nathan
Soliz returning after catching 26 passes for more than 400 yards and six
touchdowns last season.
Tipton's offense has size and experience up front with five players back
who saw action last season. Senior guard Erick Murray (5-10, 255) leads the way along
with juniors Erick Southerland (6-0, 225) at guard and Roper Davis (6-2, 200) at
center while sophomores Tony Simpson (6-0, 320), and David McCall (6-0, 265) saw
playing time on the defensive front last season. Junior Adam Miligan (6-1, 235) and sophomore Tim Owens (5-8,
250) are also expected to see action on the offensive line.
Defensively, the Tigers are stacked with 11 players returning
that saw at least part time starting duty last season.
Tipton is loaded on the defensive line where Murry and Southerland return
at tackle and senior Justin Dysart returns at end along with Davis.
McCall and Simpson both started several games on the defensive front last
year and could move into full time roles if any of the other lineman are moved
to linebacker where the Tigers return just one starter, Jasper.
Owens and Wesley Ward could help on the defensive line as well while Eric
Hill, Shawn Hill, and Adrian Southerland are expected to help at linebacker.
The secondary is solid as well with White, Abernathy, Soliz, and Anthony
Hill all with starting experience. Shawn
Hill and senior Jacob Cope could also see action in the defensive backfield.
The Tigers must overcome a few eligibility problems early in
the season, but if Tipton can make it through the first four games in good
shape, watch out for the Tigers at full strength.
"I think a lot depends on how we do early." Kerbo
said, "Bray-Doyle (in week four) is the key ball game because we won't get
to play all of our cards, but I think we'll be pretty solid once we come
together."
"Speed and quickness is by far our greatest asset,"
Kerbo added, "I think, definitely, we have the talent to win (the
district), however, overall I think our district is stronger this year (than
last)."
The Tiger's district is tough with Burns Flat, Snyder,
Bray-Doyle, and Alex all contending for a playoff spot along with Tipton.
Coach Kerbo's Tigers should have the attitude as well as the ability to
stand up to the challenge.
Tipton has had one of the most successful eight-man programs
in the state the last decade. That
tradition should continue this year as an experienced group of youngsters
contends for the district title and possibly much, much more.
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