It was one of the great accomplishments of 2024 as Tippecanoe finished the regular season 10-0 after having to replace 18 starters from the year before. The Red Devils look to build upon their success and bring home a second regional title in four years.
Division III, Region 12
2024 RECORD: 11-1, 9-0 MVL Miami
COACH: Matt Burgbacher (55-17 at Tippecanoe, six years; 136-48 overall, 16 years)
HONOR ROLL
Collin Isaac, Sr, LB – The leader of the defense and an absolute animal on the football field Isaac plays with an aggression coaches love. He was named OPSMA Division III First Team All-Ohio, OPSMA Division III Southwest District Defensive Player of the Year, Second Team All-TriState Football and TriState Football Dayton Defensive Player of the Year Finalist as a junior. He finished the year tied for an MVL best 153 tackles as well as tallying 5.0 sacks, 7.0 tackles for losses, two forced fumbles and two takeaways (one FR, one INT).
Larkin Thomas, Jr, QB – As a sophomore, Thomas showed a great understanding of the offense and how to lead the right way. He was one of Ohio’s most productive quarterbacks last fall throwing for 2,679 yards with 38 touchdown passes, rushing for another 344 yards and five more scores on the ground. He was named OPSMA Division III Third Team All-State.
Max Deckard, Sr, DB – Was very good in the secondary and on special teams as return man last season. An OPSMA Division III Second Team All-Southwest District selection, Deckard recorded 32 tackles, had eight pass breakups and three interceptions.
Xavier Melton, Sr, RB – Will be the teams featured back after sharing the duties a year ago. Melton is also a threat coming out of the backfield in the passing game. He led the team with 900 yards and 11 touchdowns rushing and garnered OPSMA Division III Honorable Mention All-Southwest District acclaim for his work.
Cade Havill, Jr, H-Back – Played a huge role in Tippecanoe’s offensive success as a great blocking tight end in 2024. Havill also had 24 receptions for 293 yards and five touchdown catches on his way to Second Team All-MVL honors.
Jeffrey Martin, Sr, OL – The top returning offensive lineman from a Red Devils offense that averaged 375.75 yards of total offense and 40.0 points per game in 2024. His efforts earned him Honorable Mention All-MVL accolades. Martin has offers from Thomas More and Ohio Dominican.
OTHER RETURNEES
Mason Dungan, Sr, OL – Started some big games and played at a very high level as a junior. The coaching staff expects another great season from Dungan.
Micah Pyles-Dodds, Sr, DB – Became a starter midway through the 2024 season at safety. Pyles-Dodds finished with 40 tackles and six pass breakups.
Ben Bledsoe, Sr, DL/OL – Logged a lot of minutes and turned in a good junior campaign at defensive tackle. Bledsoe finished with 30 total tackles and 2.5 tackles for losses. He will compete for a spot on the offensive line this year.
Jacob Snyder, Sr, DL – Returns at noseguard for the Red Devils. He totaled 21 tackles, had a sack and three tackles for losses in 2024.
Will Strong, Sr, WR – Speed and his physical stature are huge strengths for Strong. He missed 5.5 games due to a collarbone injury in 2024. Strong still caught 36 balls for 576 yards and seven touchdowns. He had at least three receptions in all eight games in which he played. Strong has committed to Illinois State.
Ryan Kolb, Jr, DL – Had a breakout sophomore campaign. Kolb will be a huge force on the d-line and provide depth on the o-line. He finished with 32 tackles, a sack and 3.5 tackles for losses.
Cal Connors, Jr, OL – Will be a big time player for the Red Devils. Connors started all 12 games as a sophomore at guard. He will also compete for a spot on the defensive line this preseason.
Owen Baileys, Jr, K/P – A special teams asset. Baileys connected on 58/61 extra points and 6/8 field goals (long of 33 yards) for 76 points as a sophomore. He also averaged 30.5 yards on 15 punts.
NEWCOMER
Jackson Robbins, Sr, S – Missed most of the 2024 season with an injury and is now healthy for his senior campaign.
PLAYOFF HISTORY
(18 appearances, 17-18) – 2024, 2023, 2022 (Regional Champion), 2021, 2020, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2002
2025 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/22/25 – at Bellbrook (12-2 in 2024) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/29/25 – PIQUA (4-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/05/25 – FAIRBORN (3-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/12/25 – at Stebbins (4-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/19/25 – at Butler (9-3) – 7:00 PM
Th – 09/25/25 – SIDNEY (5-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/03/25 – at Xenia (10-2) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/10/25 – GREENVILLE (1-9) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/17/25 – TROY (6-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/24/25 – at West Carrollton (1-9) – 7:00 PM
