Tigers defeat Davis 28-20 in non-league tilt

Battle Ground Tigers (1-8, 0-4 4A GSHL)

Week 1: Beaverton (Ore.) 46, Battle Ground 6

Week 2: Tualatin (Ore.) 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

Week 8: Heritage 28, Battle Ground 21
Week 9: Battle Ground 28, Davis 20

The Tigers will go into the 2018 season on a one-game winning streak. Might not sound like much, but Battle Ground’s players earned the right to feel good about themselves.

Victory:

Battle Ground lost more all-league players than just about any team in Southwest Washington coming into this season. A lot of new starters and a new coach, yet the same challenging schedule.

So there were times when it had to feel like the weight of the world was on the Tigers’ shoulders. Blowout losses the first three games. Then a “how-did-that-happen?’ one-point loss to a rival. Another close game in league play, but a loss.

Finally, Week 9.

A win.

“It was very exciting to get things to fall into place and finish a complete game,” Battle Ground coach Mike Kesler said. “The kids battled until the end, and the outcome was successful.”

MVP on defense: Garrett Moon had two interceptions in the fourth quarter, preserving the win for the Tigers.

MVP on offense: Brock Robinson rushed for 200 yards and three touchdowns in the win over Davis. That gave him 1,195 yards on the season. That is a testament to him and the offensive line.

Inspirational: Speaking of the offensive linemen, Kesler said they were the most inspirational players on this year’s team. “They were consistent throughout the season, putting us in successful position all season,” Kesler said.

Next: “Looking forward to continuing to develop the underclass, to be part of the great future success of Tiger football,” the coach said.