Royal Runs Past Ventura

Running back Bryant Phipps ran for two touchdowns and caught a 32-yard pass for another, leading Royal to a 35-7 victory over Ventura Friday night at Larrabee Stadium.

Phipps, who had 10 carries for 132 yards, scored on runs of 19 and 44 yards in the first quarter. He caught his touchdown pass on the Highlanders’ first play of the second half. Phipps has nine touchdowns in three games--three in each.

Royal’s other running back, junior Steve Sheehan, rushed for 160 yards in 18 carries, including a one-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

The scoring drive was set up when linebacker Rodrigo Bushby blocked a Ventura punt, giving the Highlanders the ball at the Cougar 41.

Royal linebacker Eddie Knipps’ interception and 14-yard return gave the Highlanders the ball at the Ventura 38, and nine players later quarterback Braden Fien completed a four-yard touchdown pass to Kevin Krause with 35 second remaining in the first half.

The Highlanders, who are off to a 3-0 start for the first time since 1991, led at the half, 28-0. Fien’s older brother, Ryan, was quarterback of that team.

Braden Fien completed three of eight passes for 45 yards and two touchdowns.

Ventura’s only score came midway through the third quarter when junior quarterback Jason Branch threw a 24-yard touchdown pass to Cristobal Gonzales.

Branch completed 12 of 28 passes for 135 yards. Gonzales led the Cougars in rushing with 56 yards in 10 carries.

Ventura’s leading receiver, Matt Appel, injured his left knee of the first series of the game and did not return.