It may not have been the cleanest game they’ve ever played, but the Battle Ground Academy Wildcats did just enough Friday to start their season on a winning note.
The Wildcats jumped on top of the Goodpasture Christian Cougars 21-0 in the first half, but were held scoreless after the break.
The Cougars scored a touchdown in the third and fourth quarters, but ran out of time in their come-from-behind attempt. BGA escaped with a 21-14 road win.
Goodpasture was able to stay in the game due to 12 penalties called on the Wildcats for a total of 115 yards. Comparatively, the Cougars were called for two penalties for just 15 yards in the entire game.
For the first time in what may seem like forever, BGA is working with quarterbacks whose last names aren’t Beathard. After CJ and Clay Beathard manned the signal calling spot for most of the last eight seasons, Drew Martin and Jake Holloway split time at the position Friday.
Martin completed 9-of-16 passes for 156 yards and touchdown and Holloway was 4-of-5 for 72 yards and a score through the air.
Jack Jewell was the main beneficiary of the passing attack, reeling in four catches for 122 yards. He scored both of the receiving touchdowns for the Wildcats.
Running back Jaylen Frierson added a 5-yard score on the ground. He rushed for a game-high 65 yards on nine carries.
With the win, BGA takes its 1-0 record into its home opener next Friday against Friendship Christian.
