Tipton to begin Class 1 District 4 play with game against Skyline

TIPTON, Mo. - The Tipton Cardinals are looking for the first win streak of the season as they get ready for their Class 1 District 4 opening game against Skyline.

Tipton head coach Tony Braby said even though Skyline has lost four games in a row, his team is not overlooking them in a battle of teams entering tonight's contest with 3-6 records. Game time is 7 p.m. in Urbana.

"They play in a real competitive conference," Braby said of the Mid-Lakes Conference school. "We've got a history with Skyline, we know them really well. We are going to have our hands full, they are a good football team."

Braby said it can be difficult to stop Skyline's offense as the Tigers run and throw the ball well.

"We have to play terrific, I mean just outstanding defense," Braby said. "We are probably facing the best running quarterback we have all year."

Tipton's offense has really improved in the late parts of the season. Braby said a big reason why is because other players are stepping up and the team is not relying on just Dakota Pace to score all their points.

"That helps take the pressure off of Dakota which teams are really zeroing in on him," Braby said.

Braby also said the offensive line has really improved together and that has been a major help what has become a more dangerous attack.

"The more games we play the more comfortable they become," Braby said.

Offensively Braby expects his team to run the ball. The Cardinals finished with more than 300 yards last week in a 36-14 victory against Concordia.

Defensively, Tipton held Concordia to just 107 yards through the air and a little more than 150 yards on the ground.

Tipton is looking for its first road win of the season, having dropped all four contests away from home.

Tipton is the No 5 seed in the district, one spot behind Skyline.

Skyline opened the season with losses to Lexington (54-7) and Fair Grove (28-26). The team rebounded with three consecutive wins against Stockton (31-21), Pleasant Hope (58-0) and Summit Christian Academy (48-23).

The four straight losses to end the regular season were to Ash Grove (32-30), Strafford (34-0), Marionville (23-13) and El Dorado Springs (31-30).

Other District 4 games tonight are Windsor against Lone Jack and Crest Ridge against Appleton City.

Lincoln, the No. 1 seed, received a first-round bye,

Lincoln will host the Tipton-Skyline winner in the district semifinals next Friday night.