RIPON — The Ripon Knights know how to do more with less.

While some levels are low in numbers, the junior varsity won the Trans-Valley Youth Football League last season and Knights league representative Sam Cormier is optimistic about this year’s campaign.

“Our JV is phenomenal with around 28 players and the varsity have around 24,” Cormier said. “And our junior novice, while around 12, is not bad for them. The little kids are just out here to have fun.

“Our numbers could be better for novice – we are looking at 12 or 13 – we would like to have 22 to 24.”

Even with the low numbers, the Knights still find a way to be successful.

“Our JV team won the Super Bowl last year and we were 5-5 at the other levels, including the novice where we only had 14 players,” Cormier said. “So for them to go .500 is phenomenal.

“Considering the fact that our pool is mostly being taken away from by the Chiefs, we are still doing OK. Their numbers are 35-40 at every level and we are lucky to get mid-20’s at some of our levels.”

While the Ripon Chiefs enjoy an advantage in numbers, Cormier would like to see the two squads get together for some friendly competition.

“Since we have two teams in Ripon it would be great to have some intra-city competition between us at the varsity levels,” Cormier said. “Maybe not an all-out game – maybe just some 7-on-7 to see how they do against each other.”

The Knights host the Delta Junior Hawks to begin the season Saturday.