CAMBRIDGE — The Sugar River Raiders are Capitol Conference champions yet again after defeating Cambridge-Deerfield 8-1 Oct. 7. The Raiders are guaranteed at least a co-championship, with one more league game remaining (Oct. 12 vs. Wisconsin Heights-Barneveld). 

Sugar River has clinched at least a share of the conference championship in each of the last four years, and six in the last seven campaigns.

In the win over Cambridge-Deerfield, the host team scored first, just 3:35 into the contest. Levi Belknap drew it even in the 11th minute with Gavin Boyum assisting. Later in the half Aiden Hatleberg made it 2-1 Raiders, with Ryan Downing credited with the assist.

In the second half, the scores came early and often for the Raiders. Hatleberg scored just two minutes into the frame with Downing again assisting. Downing scored less than three minutes later, with Boyum assisting. After another three minutes, Brycen Teasdale made it 5-1. Hatleberg scored again in the 56th minute, and Carter Siegenthaler scored in the 68th and 69th minutes. Hatleberg assisted Teasdale and Siegenthaler.

The Raiders only allowed four shots on goal in 80 minutes. 

In other area action, Monona Grove defeated Monroe 10-0 Oct. 7.

On Oct. 10, the WIAA released the playoff brackets for the upcoming postseason. The Raiders received the No. 3 seed and a first-round bye. They will play the winner of Jefferson (0-12-1) and Mauston (6-6-3) on Oct. 21.

Monroe (0-11) is the 16-seed and will host Prairie du Chien/River Ridge/Seneca (1-7-2) Oct. 19. The winner will take on No. 1 sectional seed Evansville (13-0-4), ranked No. 9 in the state.