Fresh off a huge win over Zion Chapel, the Goshen Eagles finish out the regular season against McKenzie on Thursday night.

Goshen came from behind late against the Rebels last Friday night to secure the final spot in 2A region 3. The win put the team on an emotional high for the season. Goshen started the season 1-5 and then won three straight region games to make the playoffs.

The week 10 matchup against McKenzie is a non-region game.

“Anytime you have two big ball games in a row, like we have had with Highland Home and Zion Chapel, there is always a possibility of an emotional letdown,” said Goshen head coach Bart Snyder. “They will have a tough running game, and we will have to be ready to play on Thursday.”

The Tigers of McKenzie have captured only three wins in 2012, and just one since September 14. Though the wins have not come for McKenzie, Snyder said that his team can’t overlook the Tigers if they want to keep their momentum going.

“I hope our guys know how important it is to keep momentum going,” said Snyder. “The more we keep rolling, the tougher we will be in the playoffs.

Being a non-region game, coaches are forced to alter their style of doing things in the final week of the regular season. Snyder said he wants to win the football game, but at the same time wants to preserve his team for a playoff push.

One of the main goals for the game is to not have any injuries.

“We sure don’t want t get anyone hurt,” said Snyder. “We have had some guys have to sit this year with injuries, and have some that are still nursing along. We definitely want everyone 100% come next week.”

Goshen and McKenzie have played eight previous times, with the Eagles holding a slim 5-3 advantage. Goshen is 3-1 since the turn of the new millennium, but lost the last time the two teams met, 28-26 at home.

Kickoff for the final home game of the year for the Eagles is set for 7 p.m. Thursday.