BATTLE GROUND — In a decisive display of skill and strategy, Battle Ground High School triumphed over rival Prairie High School with a score of 41-6 on September 29, 2023. This victory marked the Tigers’ third consecutive win to start the season, underscoring their dominance in the district.
The atmosphere at District Stadium was electric, with a standing-room-only crowd eager to witness what was anticipated to be a closely contested match. Both teams entered the game with a 2-0 record and had each scored over 40 points in their previous outings. However, Battle Ground’s defense quickly established control, stifling Prairie’s attempts to mount an offense.
The Tigers focused their efforts on containing Prairie’s dual-threat quarterback, Deven Vigue, who ranked as the area’s No. 3 passer with 494 yards and No. 2 rusher with 254 yards prior to the game. Vigue struggled throughout the night, finishing with just 129 yards passing and 63 yards rushing, most of which came late in the game during a 40-yard touchdown scramble.
Battle Ground’s coach, Mike Woodward, emphasized the importance of aggressive defensive play leading into the match. “It takes 11 guys to swarm to him and try to bury him,” he remarked. “You tackle with such aggression and attitude that eventually you wear him down. That kid is phenomenal, so for our defense to do that…”
On the offensive side, Battle Ground’s quarterback, Ethan Adams, showcased his ability to adapt. While completing only eight passes, three resulted in touchdowns. He also rushed for 101 yards, marking his third consecutive game exceeding the century mark. Adams noted that the defense’s strong performance alleviated pressure on the offensive unit. “When the defense is dominating like that, anything seems possible on offense,” he stated.
The Tigers struck early, scoring on two of their first three drives. Tight end Thomas Avery caught a 6-yard touchdown pass, followed by a 29-yard touchdown run from Miles Skov to open the second quarter. The highlight of the first half came when Broderick Heerlein took a short pass and sprinted 82 yards for a touchdown. Kicker Bryland Fick capped off the half with a 45-yard field goal, sending Battle Ground into halftime with a commanding 24-0 lead.
The Tigers’ defense continued to shine, allowing an average of just 111 yards through the first three games. Defensive tackle Tony Sahli expressed pride in the team’s collective effort, stating, “Our team was rallying together, just dominant and always talking. Keep eating. Keep eating.”
Woodward, a Battle Ground local, shared his aspirations for the team’s future. He believes they have the potential to be the best in the school’s history, which spans over a century. “In all three facets we’ve played pretty well,” he said. “This team could be special. This is a good group of kids.”
Adams, a four-year varsity player, appreciated the significance of this win over their rivals, particularly given that Prairie had bested them in their previous encounter last season, 43-38. The all-time series is now tied at 26-26. “It doesn’t get better than that, beating your rivals like that,” he reflected. “We came in underdogs and showed them, don’t bet against us.”
The game’s final score reflected the Tigers’ comprehensive control throughout the match, with key plays and steadfast defense leading to their impressive victory.
**Final Score: Battle Ground 41, Prairie 6**
**Scoring Summary:**
– First Quarter:
– BG — Thomas Avery 6 pass from Ethan Adams (Bryland Fick kick)
– Second Quarter:
– BG — Miles Skov 29 run (Fick kick)
– BG — Broderick Heerlein 82 pass from Adams (Fick kick)
– BG — FG, Fick 45
– Third Quarter:
– BG — Dominick Rivas 5 pass from Adams (Fick kick)
– Fourth Quarter:
– BG — Xavier Ortegon 22 run (Fick kick)
– BG — FG, Fick 33
– P — Deven Vigue 40 run (kick failed)
**Individual Statistics:**
– Rushing:
– Prairie: Sam Watts 7 carries for 19 yards, Deven Vigue 13 carries for 63 yards, Kian Krueger 5 carries for 31 yards.
– Battle Ground: Ethan Adams 13 carries for 101 yards, Xavier Ortegon 11 carries for 73 yards, Miles Skov 7 carries for 78 yards.
– Passing:
– Prairie: Deven Vigue 16 completions on 30 attempts for 124 yards.
– Battle Ground: Ethan Adams 8 completions on 15 attempts for 105 yards.
– Receiving:
– Prairie: Jackson Kimball 2 receptions for 15 yards, Tommie Vick 6 receptions for 36 yards, Alex Blakeslee 6 receptions for 58 yards.
– Battle Ground: Dominick Rivas 2 receptions for 6 yards, Broderick Heerlein 1 reception for 82 yards.
