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East Ridge completes comeback with two TDs in final minutes to upset Mounds View

By Blaze Fugina, SportsEngine, 10/11/19, 9:15PM CDT

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Quarterback Riley Larson led the Raptors, who trailed by 12 late, in back-to-back scoring drives that included an onside kick recovery.

East Ridge senior quarterback Riley Larson capped a two-series comeback by scoring the game-winning touchdown Friday against Mounds View in a 41-40 victory. Photo by Earl J. Ebensteiner, SportsEngine

East Ridge senior quarterback Riley Larson capped a two-series comeback by scoring the game-winning touchdown Friday against Mounds View in a 41-40 victory. Photo by Earl J. Ebensteiner, SportsEngine

East Ridge is best known for operating its offense through the run.

Whether it be a handoff or the option, the team relies on its rushing attack to move the ball down the field. However, when trailing by two scores with about four minutes remaining on the game clock, it helps to have some passing ability in the back pocket.

On a slushy field, quarterback Riley Larson led the Raptors (4-3, 3-2) down the field on back-to-back touchdown drives to pull off a wild 41-40 victory at Mounds View (5-2, 3-2) on Friday.

First, Larson found receiver Nolan Goetz for a 16-yard touchdown pass with 1:27 left on the clock. Following an onside kick, he scored on a 32-yard run for what ended up being the game-winning touchdown.

"It was insane, the things that happened," Larson said, reflecting on a night that featured 81 total points. "I can't control any of that. I'm very thankful it came our way, but that is one hell of a team right there."

East Ridge’s KJ Moore carried the ball for three touchdowns in the first half Friday night helping his Raptors beat the Mustangs 41-40 in Mounds View. Photo by Earl J. Ebensteiner, SportsEngine

East Ridge’s KJ Moore carried the ball for three touchdowns in the first half Friday night helping his Raptors beat the Mustangs 41-40 in Mounds View. Photo by Earl J. Ebensteiner, SportsEngine

First report

East Ridge didn't let an early October chill halt it from pulling off a wild 41-40 victory at Mounds View, ranked No. 7 in the Class 6A statewide Associate Press poll, on Friday.

Trailing 40-28 with 4:08 remaining on the clock, Raptors quarterback Riley Larson led his team down the field for back-to-back scoring drives.

First, Larson found receiver Nolan Goetz for a 16-yard touchdown pass with 1:27 left in the game. Following an onside kick, Larson rushed 32 yards for the game-winning touchdown.

When Mounds View looked to respond in its final drive, Nate Witte intercepted a pass at the East Ridge 1-yard line to spoil any hope at a comeback.

Mounds View (5-2, 3-2) trailed 28-14 at halftime, but after the break, quarterback Cole Stenstrom rushed for two TDs and passed for another to put the Mustangs ahead.

East Ridge (4-3, 3-2) running back KJ Moore also rushed for three touchdowns in the first half.


Mounds View's Cole Stenstrom scored a touchdown, giving the Mustangs a 12-point, fourth-quarter lead over East Ridge. Then the Raptors scored twice in four minutes to win, 41-40. Photo by Earl J. Ebensteiner, SportsEngine

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