East Ridge at Rochester Century
11 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 27

East Ridge makes its annual trip to Rochester this weekend, and the second of the two games may give the Raptors a challenge despite a lopsided affair last year.

Rochester Century lost that game to East Ridge 7-0 but enter this season heavy on experience. The Panthers graduated just four players and boast an upperclassmen-laden roster led by junior goalkeeper Nathan Marks. Marks worked in the offseason with Century junior varsity coach Drew Lueders, who was named the 2015 Minnesota High School Soccer Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year.

East Ridge has appeared in the past two Class 2A state tournaments, including last year’s title game, but the Raptors may experience some growing pains after graduating 15 seniors.

Senior goalkeeper Sam Richardson is well-equipped to protect the net for No. 4 East Ridge while his younger teammates adjust to the varsity level.