Skyview High School’s football program celebrated a historic moment on Friday night at Kiggins Bowl, defeating Battle Ground 47‑3 to claim the Class 4A Greater St. Helens League championship. The win ends a 15‑year title drought, the last league crown having been earned in 2011.
Players and Coaches Credit Hard Work
Quarterback Dugan Logue described the victory as “surreal” and “super fun,” noting the camaraderie that helped the team achieve what hasn’t been done in a long time. Linebackers David Dudko and Toren Baker echoed the sentiment, praising the coaching staff and emphasizing the relentless offseason preparation that set the tone for the season.
Coach Matt Hamlin highlighted the team’s dedication, saying the players began training before the Christmas break and maintained a strong work ethic in the weight room. “We have great leadership from our seniors, and we have young kids who are following their leaders,” Hamlin said, adding that the effort has been evident since December.
Offensive Firepower and Defensive Dominance
Logue threw four touchdown passes, contributing to the Storm’s streak of scoring 31 or more points in each of their eight victories this season. An assistant coach with decades of experience with the program called this the best defense in Skyview history, a claim that resonated with Dudko, who said the defense means “everything” to the team.
The Storm’s balanced attack and staunch defense have positioned them to potentially match the 2006 squad’s perfect regular‑season record. Their final regular‑season game against Union next week will determine whether they can finish unbeaten.
Looking Ahead to the Playoffs
Both Dudko and Baker stressed the importance of staying focused week to week. “The most important week is this week,” Dudko said, noting the team’s motto for the season. The players intend to keep their eyes on the upcoming playoff run, with Logue expressing confidence in the team’s momentum to pursue a state championship.
“We’re on a roll,” Logue said. “We have the momentum to get there.” Baker added that the league title is just the first step toward larger goals.
Battle Ground’s Progress
While Skyview celebrated, Battle Ground’s Tigers showed signs of improvement under Coach Mike Woodward, who has been rebuilding the program since 2022. The Tigers have made the postseason in two of the past three seasons and secured a winning regular‑season record for the third time in four years after six consecutive losing seasons.
Woodward praised his players’ work ethic and optimism, noting a shift in expectations from merely “respectable” to a genuine belief in winning. The Tigers will face Camas next week for a second‑place league finish and a playoff spot.
Community Impact
The championship run has energized the Skyview community, with players describing the team as a “brotherhood,” “home,” and “family.” Dudko, a Missouri native, said, “I bleed blue,” reflecting the deep ties between the athletes and the school.
As the Storm look toward the postseason, the excitement in Clark County continues to grow, underscoring the role of high school sports in fostering community pride and unity.
Original reporting: Clark County Today (Vancouver WA) — read the source article.
