Battle Ground still looking for that elusive first win

Battle Ground will likely have its best chance at a Class 4A Greater St. Helens League victory when the Tigers meet Heritage Friday.

Tigers to meet Heritage Friday at McKenzie Stadium

Battle Ground Tigers (0-7, 0-3 4A GSHL)

Week 1: Beaverton (Ore.) 46, Battle Ground 6 Week 2: Tualatin (Ore.O) 53, Battle Ground 0 Week 3: Mountain View 55, Battle Ground 22 Week 4: Prairie 21, Battle Ground 20 Week 5: Camas 35, Battle Ground 0 Week 6: Union 52, Battle Ground 8 Week 7: Skyview 48, Battle Ground 13 Next: vs. Heritage, 7:30 p.m. Friday at McKenzie Stadium The Tigers went up against a motivated team in a playoff push. Now, the Tigers are hoping to get at least one win in their final two games of the season.

Making the best of it:

The ball was on the 25-yard line, but the snap sailed high over the head of Battle Ground punter Noah Barr. The ball rolled toward the back of the end zone, with Barr in hot pursuit. Not only did Barr get to the ball, he stayed in bounds, turned around, and got off the punt. Seriously, that was a great hustle play. Saved at least a safety, maybe even a touchdown. And the Tigers were immediately rewarded by that effort. Downfield, the ball was rolling on the ground when a Skyview player touched it. The live ball was recovered by the Tigers. First down Battle Ground. Clearly not how Battle Ground planned to get the ball there, but it all started with Noah Barr not giving in after a tough start to the play. (By the way, in a quirk of a stat, Battle Ground had given up either a safety or a touchdown while on offense or special teams in every game this season … until Week 7.)

Highlights on offense:

Brock Robinson broke free for a 38-yard run on the last play of the third quarter, setting up his fourth-quarter touchdown run on the next play. Later, Robinson had a 29-yard run to get the Tigers going in the right direction again. Then, quarterback Aiden May threw the pass of the night, and teammate Cody Niblack made an incredible catch for a 27-yard gain to the 3-yard line. Seriously, when watching the play on my computer screen, I nearly gave up, believing the pass was too long, going to drop incomplete. Instead, Niblack just kept sprinting for the ball and made the diving catch. Battle Ground would soon pick up its second TD of the night.

Coach Speak:

What did Mike Kesler think about Week 7’s performance? “We got beat by a very good Skyview team. I am glad we have the opportunity to play the best teams in 4A football in Washington. These helps us grow as a team.” Thoughts on Week 8 vs. Heritage: “Looking forward to playing Heritage,’’ Kesler said. “I feel we both (match) up good against each other.”