Ripon Christian could not wait to get back in action Friday.

Following a week off, the top-seeded Knights got to finally play in their first postseason game in three years but had to do it on the road because of sanctions from the Sac-Joaquin Section.

The venue made little difference, as Ripon Christian wiped out No. 8 Rio Vista 57-0 in the first round of the SJS Division VII playoffs.

The team was one of three in the Section banned from postseason play last year because of its participation in club football during the pandemic-shortened 2021 spring season. The SJS agreed to lift the ban this past summer, but all three programs are not allowed to host playoff games while remaining under probation.

It just so happens that Ripon Christian (9-2) will face another one of those sanctioned teams in the semifinals next week; No. 4 Stone Ridge Christian (9-2) of Merced took care of No. 5 Mariposa 36-13 on Thursday. Since neither team can host, the game will take place at a neutral site that could be determined today.  

“I got calls all week from some buddies that also coach in the Sacramento area, guys I’ve known for years asking how I thought we would do,” RC coach Phil Grams said. “I told them we practiced well all week, they’re ready to go and I’m looking forward to seeing them go out and get it done. They did that from the very beginning. They executed and took care of business.”

It did not take long for the Knights (9-2) to strike, as Brady Grondz scored on a 40-yard pass play on their first offensive down of the contest. Grondz would later cap scoring with a 40-yard run midway through the fourth quarter, finishing with 85 yards on eight carries along with 48 yards on two catches.

Quarterback Trey Fasani threw efficiently, completing nine of 12 passes for 178 yards and four touchdowns.

Griffin De Abreu was the top target with six receptions, 101 yards and two scores. Tight end Thys Van Der Hoek added a 29-yard touchdown catch with 9 seconds to go in the first half, making it 41-0.

Fullback Grant Sonke ground out 83 yards and a touchdown on 12 attempts. Derek Van Elderen contributed two short-yardage TDs. Ripon Christian finished with 229 rushing yards on 42 carries.

The defense shined again, holding an opponent to single digits for the eighth time this season. The Rams (6-5) were limited to just 44 yards of offense and picked off twice by Preston Zuidervaart.

Linebacker Eli Terpsma compiled seven tackles and a sack. Justin Severson chimed in with six tackles and a sack.

“Our defense has been playing super well down the stretch for us,” Grams said. “They did a great job getting another shutout tonight.”