When Mounds View upended league-leading East Ridge 21-10 last week, it helped pave a path to a Metro East subdistrict title for Woodbury. Now the Raptors (4-2, 4-1) will try to claw away any attempts at league control from the Royals (5-1, 3-1) this week.
Although No. 5-6A East Ridge has been far from dominant this season, scoring 29.7 points per game while allowing 25.2, it has managed to win four close league games.
That's not to say the Raptors can't do damage — they can. Senior quarterback Zach Zebrowski is among the top five in the state in passing yards (1535) and has thrown 14 touchdowns while also adding four rushing TDs.
The Royals' offense features a ground game by committee, with running backs Brock Rinehart (282 rushing yards, 4 TDs) and Andrew Kraemer (257 rushing yards, 2 TDs). Quarterback Jake Wenzel, who left with an injury last week, aids the attack with 278 rushing yards and a team-high six touchdowns.
No. 6-6A Woodbury bounced back after a 27-7 loss to Roseville in the league opener to rattle off four consecutive wins, putting the Royals in contention for the league title.