TRACY — Looking to bounce back from a 2-8 season, Ripon Christian is off to a good start in 2017.
Powered by a dominant running game and stingy defense, the Knights crushed Millennium 42-0 Friday in their season opener at West High’s Steve Lopez Stadium.
They went to second-year junior running back Michael Kamps early and often, as he scored all three of his touchdowns in the opening quarter and finished with 82 rushing yards. Sean McGovern led all rushers with 122 yards and two touchdowns, and fellow sophomore Max Steele capped first-half scoring with a 9-yard run with 1:47 left. Ripon Christian was well ahead 36-0 at halftime.
Andrew Vander Weide was 4 of 5 on point-after kicks and caught a conversion pass from Dominic Darretta. Defensive lineman Willem Hoekstra highlighted the defense with seven tackles and 3 ½ sacks. Ripon Christian forced two turnovers held the Falcons to 24 yards of offense.