By: Nora Scott
Although the two teams ended the first quarter scoreless, the pace picked up quickly in the second quarter beginning with Battle Ground’s only touchdown of the night. Junior running back Ronald Cleveland’s 39-yard touchdown run made it seem like the Wildcat offense that scored 52 points last week had finally arrived, but the excitement for the home team was short lived.
Only seconds after Battle Ground began to gain momentum, Father Ryan returned the BGA kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown to tie the game. A fumble on BGA’s next possession, which led to a Father Ryan field goal, silenced the Wildcat bleachers and effectively diminished the home field advantage.
The turnovers only got worse as the night progressed, and most of them were not in BGA’s favor. The Wildcats’ 5 turnovers prevented the offense, which has proven how good it can be when they can keep the ball, from ever settling into a rhythm.
Though Father Ryan had their share of fumbles, they almost always recovered them. The BGA defense also failed to capitalize on a few wild passes that could have been intercepted, but they did an impressive job of holding Father Ryan to only three touchdowns despite how many possessions they had.
Battle Ground’s second home game will be next Friday against Good Pasture.
