NEWMAN — Ripon Christian running back Sean McGovern put together another standout performance Friday, and the defense recorded its second shutout in three Southern League games in a 35-0 drubbing of Orestimba.
McGovern punched in the first three touchdowns for the Southern League-leading Knights (4-0, 6-1 overall), who host one-win Gustine next. The third-year senior scampered for 149 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries while making four catches for 70 yards and a touchdown.
He found the end zone in each of the first two quarters, plunging in from 2 yards out and scoring again on a 35-yard pass play as Ripon Christian led 14-0 at halftime.
The Knights broke it open with two more scores in the third period. After McGovern’s 11-yard TD jaunt earlier in the quarter, Ian Vrieling rumbled 27 yards to double that halftime cushion with 10 seconds remaining. Jake Grondz capped the rout with a 15-yard TD run midway through the fourth quarter. Caleb Terpsma was a perfect 5 for 5 on point-after kicks.
Jaden Booth contributed 60 rushing yards and 19 receiving to Ripon Christian’s balanced 373-yard assault. Quarterback Nolan Lingley finished 8 of 17 for 108 yards.
The defense locked down Orestimba (1-2, 3-3), giving up just 45 yards. Wyatt Van Vliet led the charge with nine tackles a fumble recovery and a sack. Outside linebacker Declan Van Vuren accounted for two of the Knights’ five sacks, and Terpsma added an interception.

SCORING SUMMARY
Ripon Chr. 7 7 14 7 — 35
Orestimba 0 0  0 0 — 0

First quarter
R—Sean McGovern 2 run (Caleb Terpsma kick), 11:53.

Second quarter
R—McGovern 35 pass from Nolan Lingley (Terpsma kick), 11:41.

Third quarter
R—McGovern 11 run (Terpsma kick), 9:05.
R—Ian Vrieling 27 run (Terpsma kick), 0:10.

Fourth quarter
R—Jake Grondz 15 run (Terpsma kick), 7:35.