A healthy dose of running back Ben Barton and a stingy defense were enough for Kamiak to earn a 14-6 win over Bishop Blanchet in the 2017 season opener for both teams.
Barton ran for 157 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries, including a 50-yard scoring run in the fourth quarter to ice the game.
After yielding an opening-drive touchdown to the Braves, the Knights defense pitched a shutout.
A defensive struggle seemed unlikely as both offenses started with long scoring drives early in the contest.
Blanchet took the opening possession and marched 64 yards in 12 plays. Braves quarterback Joey Riley threw a 24-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jack Shanahan as Blanchet took a 6-0 lead.
Not to be outdone, Kamiak answered in the second quarter by feeding Barton. Barton had 10 carries on a 16-play, 80-yard drive and scored on a 7-yard run to give Kamiak a 7-6 lead.
That remained the score until late in the fourth quarter as both defenses stiffened. Knights defensive back Hiram Grayson ended two Blanchet drives with fourth down sacks of Riley, while linebacker Bryce Cote stopped another with an interception off a fake punt attempt.
Barton’s second touchdown run gave Kamiak breathing room and senior linebacker Anthony Armad picked off Riley on the Braves’ ensuing possession.
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