Pre-season Games Don't Count - Or Do They?

Pre-season is all about preparation. It's about getting your game together. It's an opportunity to experiment before "it counts." The Battle Ground, Washington Tigers ventured across the Columbia River to challenge the Southridge Skyhawks of Beaverton, Oregon in a pre-season match-up in early January only to loose 63-52. It's now week two for the 4A Greater St. Helens League leader as Battle Ground is off to a 4-0 start. Overall however, the Tigers are 9-5. Taking some risks by scheduling a few non-league teams from Oregon and Washington, Battle Ground took their lumps. Currently the Tigers sit on top of the league table. Non-league games don't count in the quest for a state title when all the wins and losses are totaled up, yet experience adds up in a big way. Daring to take risks and challenging tough teams is what does count in the long run. Time will tell to see if Battle Ground's willingness to take on strong competition in pre-season will help them come playoff time.