TIPP CITY, ohio – In a 12 minute span during the first half Xavier Melton found the end zone four times on runs as Tippecanoe built a 34-0 lead over visiting Talawanda on their way to remaining unbeaten. The Red Devils churned out 454 yards of total offense while putting up 55 or more points for the fourth time in their last nine games.
Melton finished the contest with 143 yards on 20 carries and the four scores. The senior upped his season totals to 1,151 yards and 21 touchdowns rushing. Classmate Larkin Thomas went 9-12 for 209 yards and a pair of touchdown tosses.
Talawanda star running back Lance Cantrell managed to run for 128 yards on 19 totes to pace the Brave but it wasn’t enough to overcome a stout Tipp team. Cantrell finished his magical senior campaign with 2,523 yards and 30 touchdowns rushing.
PHOTOS: Talawanda at Tippecanoe
Enough can’t be said about the Red Devils defense that created four turnovers and held their 10 foe to seven points or less. They have given up just 53 points on the season (4.8 points per game).
With the victory, Tippecanoe advances to the regional semifinals where they will host Badin. The two teams have squared off twice in the postseason since 2020 splitting the battles with the Red Devils winning the last of those matchups 20-17 in 2022.
SCORING BY QUARTERS
Talawanda: 0-7-0-0-7
Tippecanoe: 20-14-14-7-55
SCORING PLAYS
TIP: Will Strong 19 pass from Larkin Thomas (Owen Baileys kick)
TIP: Xavier Melton 1 run (Baileys kick)
TIP: Melton 52 run (kick failed)
TIP: Melton 6 run (Preston Harding kick)
TIP: Melton 1 run (Harding kick)
TAL: Camar Ellis 4 pass from Oliver Bennett (Ryan Warholak kick)
TIP: Max Deckard 54 pass from Thomas (Harding kick)
TIP: James Merry 1 run (Harding kick)
TIP: Colston Artz 30 run (Harding kick)
RECORDS: Talawanda (10-2); Tipppecanoe (11-0)
UP NEXT: #3 Badin (10-1) at #2 Tipppecanoe, OHSAA Division III, Region 12 Regional Semifinals
Get the complete scores from all of this week’s action on the Underground Sports Shop Scoreboard at TriStateFootball.com/scores.*Stay updated on high school football updates by following @TSFootball on X.
