East Ridge has ruled the Suburban East this season. So it's no surprise that the Raptors (12-7, 6-0) are in a position to put away their final challenger to the conference crown.
A victory over Forest Lake (14-6, 5-1) all but locks the door on any other team from taking that title away from No. 7-4A East Ridge. The Raptors have two conference games remaining after Tuesday's game, at Irondale on Thursday and vs. Roseville on Oct. 19. But East Ridge, which has won four consecutive games, should be the prohibitive favorite in each of those games.
If only the Raptors had half the success against their out-of-conference opponents. East Ridge played a difficult out-of-conference schedule but is winless in six games against ranked opponents this season.
Forest Lake, meanwhile, clings to a fading hope. The Rangers have conference games against Park of Cottage Grove on Thursday and at White Bear Lake on Oct. 19.