East Ridge started fast, taking a 14-0 lead before Roseville’s offense had a chance to take the field, and spent the rest of the night beating back repeated challenges, emerging with an impressive 42-19 road victory.

Behind an offensive line that averages nearly 280 pounds, running back Nick Leach had his second consecutive 200-yard rushing game. He gained 201 yards on 21 carries and scoring three touchdowns.

Leach had 228 yards in the Raptors’ season-opening victory over White Bear Lake.

Recap: It might be too much to call it a bromance, but East Ridge running back Nick Leach rushed for 206 yards and scored four touchdowns behind his big, experienced offensive line. It was Leach’s second consecutive 200-yard effort this season. Roseville, which had upset Cretin-Derham Hall in its season opener, trailed 14-0 before it had the chance to go on offense. The Raptors put the game away with 21 fourth-quarter points.

Key of the game: Leach, a 6-1, 206-pound combination of inside power and outside speed, scored touchdowns on runs of 10, 5, 2 and 58 yards.

Quote: “He’s a stud,” center J.C. Hassenauer said about Leach. “We just have to put a body on somebody and he makes us all look like superstars.”

One thing to know: East Ridge answered Roseville touchdowns with scoring drives of 73 yards in four plays, 72 yards in 13 plays and a 58-yard run by Leach on the first play from scrimmage.

JIM PAULSEN