Tigers attempting to break into win column against the Falcons
Battle Ground Tigers (0-3)
Week 1: Beaverton (Ore.) 46, Battle Ground 6
Week 2: Tualatin (Ore.) 53, Battle Ground 0
Week 3: Mountain View 55, Battle Ground 22
Next: Prairie vs. Battle Ground, 7 p.m. Friday at District Stadium
Battle Ground had an early lead in this one, and that had to feel good for the Tigers.
Tigers needed this start:
Yes, the final score got away from them in Week 3, but the start of the game proved something to the Battle Ground Tigers. They could move the ball against a quality defense. They could sustain a drive and finish.
Battle Ground went 63 yards on nine plays. Tyrel Halme had 21 yards on four carries, and quarterback Seth Workman went 2 for 3 for 33 yards, including a 7-yard touchdown pass to Noah Barr. It was the first lead for Battle Ground this season.
“They knew they were in a battle,” Battle Ground coach Mike Kesler said, referring to the opponents.
Sure, Mountain View did turn it around quickly, but the Tigers made sure they had to earn it. The Tigers woke up the Thunder with that quick touchdown.
In the third quarter, Battle Ground put together another impressive drive, this time going 65 yards on 14 plays for a touchdown.
Two of my favorite plays for Battle Ground:
First quarter, Battle Ground now trailing 7-6 and facing a third-and-1 from its own 44-yard line. Jordan Sullivan got the ball and was met immediately by Mountain View defenders. Sullivan would not give in, though. He fought and powered through for a 2-yard gain and a first down. Yes, a 2-yard play was one of my favorites of the night. Why? Because it showed that the Tigers had fight in them, despite the scores from the first two weeks, despite what would end up happening later in this game.
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Mountain View’s offense had little trouble against Battle Ground. But that offense did not have a perfect half.
Battle Ground’s Aksel Fridriksson had a monster hit on the quarterback as he was throwing, forcing an incomplete pass. At this time, it was 21-6 for Mountain View. The Thunder had scored on its first three possessions and would score two more touchdowns in the first half.
But not on this drive. Again, Fridriksson and the Tigers were still fighting, still making plays.
Coach Speak:
What did Mike Kesler learn about his team in Week 3? “The offensive line picked it up and opened some pretty good holes. Giving up the big plays is what killed us,” he said, noting there were three sophomores and one freshman in the defensive secondary. “We have so much inexperience, we’re trying anything we can to make something positive.”
MVP on offense: “Tyrel Halme did a good job for us,’’ Kesler said. “He was a big part of that drive that went down the first series. Consistent. Positive yardage whenever he touched the ball.”
MVP on defense: Noah Barr “played really hard” at middle linebacker, the coach said.
Thoughts on Week 4 vs. Prairie: “It’s going to be one of those games that both of us don’t have a whole lot of experience when it comes to varsity players. Good matchup for both of us,” Kesler said. “We’re doing a lot more positive things than not. Very pleased about that. Just getting the mindset that the kids are believing in themselves. I think this is the week the kids put it together.”
