In opening-round action of the Trans-Valley Youth Football League the Ripon Knights junior varsity avenged a regular-season loss to the Modesto Christian Kingsmen with a convincing 25-8 win.

All facets of the Knights defense were clicking. The Ripon defensive line of Mondo Torres, Jerramiah Willey, Garrett Bryan, Tyler Mensonides, Chase Howard, Casey Cotton and Mathias Ruther stuffed the Kingsmen running game. Defensive ends Wyatt Van Vliet and Josh Grabowski kept Modesto Christian to the inside while linebackers Sean McGovern, Jaden Booth and defensive backs Luke Weaver, Drake Nelson and Nolan Lingley plugged holes all day.

After a 1-yard scoring run by McGovern, Jaden Booth scored on two runs – one of 50 yards – to give the Knights an 18-0 lead. Lingley added a 55-yard touchdown run in the second half.

Erik Weststyen, Jason Vander Weide, Joel Hiemstra, Jeremiah Willey and Garrett Bryan played well on offense for Ripon.