The man who handles the football every offensive play of the game and gets the job done: Battle Ground senior center Turner Avery.
Avery returns to lead the Tigers’ offensive line in 2026 after being awarded with First Team All League honors in the 4A Greater St. Helens League (GSHL) for the 2025 season. To start the 2026 season, Avery led the Tiger offensive line in a 24-17 week one victory over the Ridgefield Spudders on Friday, Sept. 4.
Avery, on the first play of the game, had his hands on a very special football. A yellow flag was thrown, and a penalty for Too Many Players On The Field was called by the head referee. The 12th player on the field was the late Trent Richardson number 18. That special football was then given to the parents of Trent Richardson, Corey and Kelly, who were escorted onto the field. After the game, Avery spoke about the emotional loss of Richardson.
“It was probably the toughest two weeks of my life,” Avery said of the opening two weeks of the season following Richardson’s passing. “The passing of our friend Trent, ya know, he’s a brother to all of us. I think this win was for him.”
After a dominant run game Avery said the close knit offensive line group would be headed to In-N-Out Burger, then back to his house for the night.
“We ran the ball very well,” Avery said regarding the win with over 200 yards rushing for the Tigers.
Avery hopes the rushing game stays strong, with an emphasis on the passing game for a balanced attack as the Tigers look towards the week two rivalry matchup against the Prairie Falcons at District Stadium on Friday, Sept. 11.
