Ripon Christian dominated both sides of the line in its 36-14 Southern League win over visiting Denair on Friday.
The Knights (2-1 SL, 4-2 overall) outgained the Coyotes in total yards, 393-68.
Denair (1-2, 2-4) achieved most of that on its first possession. Blake Davis turned a short sideline pass from quarterback Drew Pritchard into a 51-yard score.
But this cool fall evening belonged to Ripon Christian and junior running back Michael Kamps, who racked up 252 yards on 34 carries and four touchdowns.
“He gave us a big boost to start off the game,” said Knights coach Trey Ozenbaugh, referring to Kamps’ 80-yard scoring jaunt on the first play from scrimmage.
RC lost that momentum as Denair answered back with the Davis score.
Down 7-6, the Knights surged ahead on Kamps’ 9-yard touchdown run at the 3:26 mark of the first quarter. He also scored the two-point conversion.
RC got good field position moments later helped out with a personal foul penalty by the Coyotes.
Sean McGovern cashed on the opportunity with a 25-yard scoring run, giving the Knights a 20-7 lead.
RC made one of the few mistakes midway in the second, throwing an interception in which Denair’s Steffin Winston turned into a pick-six.
The Knights kept it grounded in the second half, relying on the running of Kamps, McGovern, Max Steele, and Willem Hoekstra.
“Our line play was tremendous,” said Ozenbaugh, crediting assistant coach Quinn Whittle for the offensive game plan.
Kamps scored on runs of 3 and 7 in the third and fourth quarters, respectively.
RC defense was lights out led by Garrett Bryan, who had a sack and recovered a fumble.
Wyatt Van Vliet, Justin Heida and Steele also had quarterback sacks.
Ozenbaugh, again, praised his assistance Eddie Erdalatz and Steve Anastasio, the former Kimball High head coach, for their handling of the defense.
The Knights will look to make it three straight wins next week when they welcome 5-1 Gustine.