Cretin-Derham Hall and East Ridge share second place in the Suburban East Conference standings, where they are looking up at unbeaten Stillwater. It's the time of the season when every win — or loss — may take on even greater significance as teams jockey for positioning in pursuit of a regular-season title.
After a sub-.500 season a year ago, the Raiders (5-1, 3-1) have rebounded nicely thanks to improved play on both ends of the field. Cretin-Derham Hall has allowed more than 10 goals just once this season and has some frontline players who are heating up down the stretch.
Raiders junior attackman Ryan Schwartz and senior attackman Carter Steele enter this week on a roll. Schwartz has 10 goals in his past three games and leads the team with 22 goals. Steele, meanwhile, has 18 points in his past three games.
The Raptors (5-2, 3-1), ranked No. 9 in the state coaches' poll released April 30, will look to their senior goaltender to slow down the Raiders. Thomas Miles has helped East Ridge to two straight wins while posting a .677 save percentage. Senior midfielder Jack Mohler has been key up front with a team-high 18 goals this season.