By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Norman goes out with bang: 334 yards, 4 touchdowns
Placeholder Image
RIPON – The Knights closed out the season in spectacular fashion Friday at Stouffer Field.

On senior night, Ripon Christian turned to its offensive line to dictate the Southern League game against Gustine.

The result of that was an impressive 35-6 victory.

Senior running back Isaac Norman was the beneficiary of the guys up front, gaining 334 yards on 23 carries and scoring four touchdowns.

“Isaac had a real nice game,” RC coach John Vander Schaaf said. “But the real stars were those on the offensive line.

“Win or lose, it was up to them.”

The Knights racked up 527 total yards from scrimmage.

On the very first possession, RC scored on a 65-yard sweep by Norman. “He went almost untouched,” said Vander Schaaf.

That was just for starters. Later in the first quarter, Norman helped make it a 14-0 advantage with his 1-yard plunge.

Sophomore Zach Davis added the extra point kick.

The only miscue by the Knights was a blocked field goal attempt seconds before the intermission recovered by Gustine’s Jose Gonzalez, who scampered 85 yards for his team’s lone score.

RC was back in business in the third quarter, with Norman breaking loose on an 85-yard touchdown run.

In the fourth quarter, he capped off his stellar outing with a 25-yard scoring run.

No word yet if Norman’s tally was a school record.

He also hauled in 55 yards in receptions and, on defense, was credited for five tackles and an interception.

Norman was one of the eight seniors honored.

In addition, Elijah English registered nine tackles, Anton Den Dulk finished with five stops, and Adam McKay collected seven tackles and a sack.

“We came into the season with an inexperienced team,” Vander Schaaf said. “We suffered some losses but we got to see our juniors grow up.”

He’s looking forward to next year.

The Knights closed out their Southern League with a 3-4 mark, 3-7 overall. Gustine dropped to 1-6 in league, 1-9 overall.