London Key to East Ridge Raptors Success

He wears number 28 like current Viking Adrian Peterson and he's one of Minnesota's top high school running backs who is part of the East Ridge Raptors football success.

Though he missed most of the game due to a sprained ankle, Dominik London took time after the Raptors 21-7 Homecoming win over the Cretin-Derham Hall raiders for an interview.

Last season, London was one of the key components to East Ridge's first trip to the Class AAAAAA championship game, losing to the Osseo Orioles.  London described what it was like to play in the Prep Bowl.

"Playing in the Prep Bowl is amazing and I hope to go back there again"

This season, after two years at TCF Bank Stadium, the Prep Bowl is moving back inside to the new home of the Vikings, US Bank Stadium.  London mentioned about the Raptors chances of playing at the new stadium.  "That's going to be great.  I don't like to talk about the future.  We take it practice by practice every week."

This season, the Raptors are 4-1 and were ranked seventh in Class 6A.  London mentioned how this year's team is different from last year's state finalist.  "I think we came back even stronger.  Last year was amazing."

One of the keys to this year's team is London's backfield mate AJ Tittle, who picked up the slack after London was injured.  "I knew he could get the job done," London said.  He also said that Tittle has amazing speed.

On the defensive side of the football, there are a number of outstanding players such as Will Walker and Marques Haskins.  London commented on the East Ridge defense.  "We have a lot of key components to the defense.  Our defense is stronger than last year."

Next season, London will be wearing maroon and gold since he will be playing for the Minnesota Golden Gophers.  "I love Minnesota.  It felt like the right decision to do it."

One of London's teammates will also be playing for the Gophers, kicker Grant Ryerse.  "He's a great player and I love him," London said.

The interview concluded with London giving high marks for East Ridge head coach Dan Fritze.  "He's been a great coach to me.  I couldn't ask for a better coach."

Can Fritze and London lead the Raptors to another trip to the state tournament?