TROY — Tippecanoe sophomore Levi Jones is a varsity newcomer this season but has found ways to contribute to its success.
He says that mentality — everyone finding ways to contribute — is why the program has been so successful in recent years.
“It’s just hard work,” Jones said. “We have a standard, and it’s just meeting that standard weekly, preparing like a champion, and just doing what this culture is about.”
The Red Devils won their 30th consecutive Miami Valley League game by beating Troy 35-0 on Friday, Oct. 16, at Troy Memorial Stadium and clinched at least a share of their fourth consecutive MVL title.
Jones ran for two touchdowns in the second half to help the squad pull away and had a career-high performance with around 100 rushing yards.
“We ran the ball well,” Jones said. “The guys up front, they did the work for me. So I was just following them.”
Tippecanoe coach Matt Burgbacher said Jones dominated in the program’s first junior varsity game, and he’s been varsity-only since. He ran for 45 yards and one touchdown in Week 2 against Piqua and had scored four TDs entering Friday’s game.
“He’s been our starting cornerback (since Week 2), and he’s been getting some more carries,” Burgbacher said of Jones. “Levi’s just a great young man, very coachable young man. But he’ll be the first one to tell you the offensive line (helps).
“We didn’t throw the ball as much as we wanted to tonight. But when the offensive line was doing what they were doing and takes some time off the clock, that wins football games.”
Troy (7-2, 7-1 MVL Miami Division) was hit hard by graduation last year and is adjusting to new schemes under first-year coach Ryan Jones, who came from Versailles.
The Trojans racked up league wins after a season-opening loss to Pickerington North to set up a Week 9 showdown with Tipp for the second straight season.
But three first-half interceptions killed possessions, and the Trojans had to play from behind almost all night, as Tipp junior Bentley Heckman returned a punt 60 yards for a touchdown with about 10 minutes left in the first quarter to give the squad a 7-0.
Tipp led 14-0 at halftime and scored on the first possession of the third quarter.
“I thought our offense did a great job of just being patient, stick to the process, and things are going to work out,” Burgbacher said. “That’s what happened there in the second half. That first drive of the second half was huge.”
After Heckman’s punt return for a touchdown, Tippecanoe senior defensive end Cade Havill intercepted a pass to end a Troy possession. The Trojans blocked a field goal attempt late in the first quarter but went three-and-out. Troy senior defensive back Camryn Mangas intercepted a pass, but Tipp senior defensive back Talan Hoover promptly intercepted a pass to give the Red Devils the ball at the 8-yard line.
Tipp senior quarterback Larkin Thomas ran in from 5 yards out shortly after to give the Red Devils a 14-0 lead early in the second quarter.
The Trojans went on a lengthy possession that ended when Tippecanoe senior linebacker Raiden Nicholls intercepted a pass in the red zone.
Tipp stayed on the ground more in the second half, and it worked.
The Red Devils drove 70 yards on the opening possession of the second half, which Levi Jones capped off with a 1-yard TD run to increase the lead to 21-0 with 7:06 left. They followed with another lengthy drive after a Troy punt, and Jones capped it off with a 3-yard TD run with 11:13 left in the fourth.
Jones has scored TDs in the team’s last four games.
“I’m blessed for every opportunity I get, and just been keeping on,” Jones said. “Keep working throughout the season, and just making the most of my opportunities, fighting for this team and for my brothers.”
Thomas scored on an 11-yard run with 1:27 left in the fourth.
Tippecanoe can win its third straight outright MVL title by beating winless West Carrollton in its regular-season finale on Oct. 24 in Tipp City.
The Red Devils have clinched a top four spot in Division III, Region 12 according to JoeEitel.com and will have a first-round bye and host a regional quarterfinal on Nov. 6.
Troy will travel to Greenville (2-7, 2-6) in Week 10. The Trojans have clinched a top eight spot in Division II, Region 8 according to JoeEitel.com and are in contention for a top-four spot and a first-round bye.