For Battle Ground football, the 2026 season will be about more than what happens on the scoreboard.
The Tigers enter the season following the death of recent graduate Trent Richardson, a loss that has affected players and coaches throughout the program.
Head coach Mike Woodward said Richardson’s presence continues to be felt as Battle Ground prepares for another season.
“We felt like we’ve got a little special angel watching over us,” Woodward said. “Kids are inspired by the right way to go about this and the wrong way. Everybody handles grief differently. But all these kids were (impacted) by Trent.”
Richardson’s impact, Woodward said, extended well beyond the Battle Ground football program. Although Richardson was homeschooled and did not attend Battle Ground High School, he regularly attended games and practices involving younger players in the community.
Woodward said he recently realized just how far Richardson’s influence reached when he addressed the team before its first practice.
“I realized once I was done it was mostly about Trent,” Woodward said. “How we’re going to respond to this and how we need each other, including the coaches and the players, too. We’re hurting just as much.”
Woodward later asked a group of freshmen — former eighth graders — whether they knew Richardson. Every one of the approximately 15 players he asked knew him personally.
“That tells you that Trent was going to these CCYF games, watching these eighth graders, going to their practices, being a part of their lives,” Woodward said.
On the field, Battle Ground will lean on a group of returning leaders to replace a senior class that graduated last season. Seth Waldal has emerged as a leading voice, while Turner Avery, Marcus Castro and Dom McDonald are also expected to play important leading roles.
Woodward said the leadership foundation was established during the offseason, with players taking responsibility in the weight room and holding teammates accountable.
The Tigers will also turn to junior Jacob Bryant at quarterback. Woodward believes Bryant’s athleticism and arm talent can help ease the transition following the departure of standout Ethan Adams.
“He can run. He can throw. He’s got a really strong arm,” Woodward said. “He’s going to be just fine. Trust me.”
As Battle Ground begins another season, Woodward said his players have responded to their loss with inspiration and togetherness — carrying Richardson’s memory with them when they take the field.
Head coach: Mike Woodward
Classification: 4A
League: GSHL
2025 season stats:
Regular season: 5-5
League record: 2-1
