BATTLE GROUND — In the big picture, Saturday’s disappointing 26-23 overtime loss to Cascade Christian wasn’t a big deal for the Battle Ground Tigers.

At least, that’s what Battle Ground coach Mike Woodward tried to convince his players.

“It’s better early than late,” Woodward said about the loss. “This has got to inspire the kids. The more we sit around and think about, it doesn’t affect anything. All a (non-league) loss means you’re not going to go undefeated.”

Still, the words could not hide the frustration.

Battle Ground squandered a 13-point lead in the fourth quarter. But the Tigers still put themselves in position to seal the in regulation.

Instead, the 1A Cougars from Puyallup come away with a big win over a bigger school.

“We knew they were super talented,” Woodward said. “We

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