TIPTON TIGERS
Coach: TRAVIS WHITE
9-4
Tipton charges into 2026 with championship expectations and a senior-heavy roster that has already played in the biggest moments Class C has to offer. The Tigers went 9-4 last season and reached the semifinals, a result that stung for a group that won state titles in 2023 and 2024 with many of the same players starting as freshmen and sophomores. Head coach Travis White, in his 15th year at Tipton, believes that combination of experience and unfinished business will fuel another deep run. With proven playmakers on both sides of the ball and a physical identity, the Tigers fully expect to be near the top of the class again.
On offense, Tipton returns seven starters and will once again be a power running team that uses play-action to keep defenses honest. Senior running back JJ Jillah (5-8, 185) is the main workhorse after rushing for 1,543 yards, adding 300 receiving yards and scoring 21 total touchdowns despite dealing with a high ankle sprain last year. Senior tight end and defensive end Chris Addy (6-4, 215) is a versatile weapon who piled up 546 receiving yards, 754 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, giving the Tigers a matchup problem who can line up all over the formation. Senior tight end and defensive back Jesse James Meza (6-2, 160) added 367 receiving yards and five scores, and senior quarterback Kaydence Sheffield (5-9, 160) returns after throwing for 612 yards, rushing for 200 and accounting for 15 total touchdowns, managing the offense and handling the play-action game. Senior running back and slot receiver Braydon Bourland (5-7, 140) adds another speed threat, and White notes he has “a lot of players that can carry the football,” even as Jillah remains the primary bell cow.
Defensively, the Tigers also bring back seven starters and plan to put as much speed on the field as possible while staying aggressive and physical. Tipton will use a variety of looks and stunts to create confusion, with Addy leading the pass rush after recording 54 tackles, seven sacks, and eight tackles for loss from defensive end. Jillah is a force on this side as well, posting 65 tackles and two interceptions at end, while senior linebacker Davieon Brown (6-1, 180) added 57 tackles and two fumble recoveries. Meza is a playmaker in the secondary with three interceptions and 71 tackles, and senior nose guard James Glenn (6-1, 285) is the unheralded anchor of the front whose impact goes beyond the stat sheet.
Jillah is the VYPE Top 100 nominee, praised as extremely strong, fast and explosive and a true two-way workhorse when healthy.
8-28 – vs. Boise City
9-4 – at Hollis
9-11 – vs. Snyder
9-25 – vs. Bray-Doyle
10-2 – at Ryan
10-9 – vs. Thackerville
10-15 – at Temple
10-23 – vs. Grandfield
10-30 – at Fox
11-6 – vs. Maysville
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