Sports Writer

Slowly, but surely, the Goshen Eagles have put themselves in a position to win the class 2A region 3 title, but one obstacle stands in the way.

Well actually two obstacles stand in the way, but Goshen only has control over one of them.

The Eagles, 5-3 overall and 4-1 in the region, can clinch the regional title with a win over Highland Home, 6-2 overall and 2-2 in the region, this Friday night. In addition, Goshen will need Red Level to lose to Straughn this week.

Coach Joe Thornton’s Eagles are coming off of a solid victory over St. Jude after defeating the Pirates 34-16 last week. It seems like the Eagles have a different standout player each week. That makes them a serious threat and a headache for opposing defenses because they can’t just key on one particular player. Last week Quez Burden led GHS by rushing 13 times for 194 yards and three touchdowns.

Thornton knows that the Highland Home Flying Squadron run a potent offense and are capable of putting up big numbers. Highland unloaded on Georgiana last week beating the Panthers by 24 points in a 54-30 win.

"They have a lot of speed and they’re a little bigger and faster than they were last year," Thornton said.

Last year the Eagles defeated the Flying Squadron 24-0, at Clay Jordan Field, scoring all 24 points in the first half and shutting Highland Home’s offensive unit down. This year the game is at Eagle Stadium and the Squadron will be looking for redemption.

"This is definitely a situation where they’ll be coming in looking for revenge," Thornton said.

The Squadron have a couple of big playmakers that can break a game open at any given moment.

"Their quarterback (Wes) Pouncey opens the passing game up more this year," Thornton said. "Last year they had D.J Chambers at quarterback and he ran the ball a lot, now he’s at wideout."

Thornton said that the Squadron have an arsenal of weapons including twins John and Shaun May.

"The May twins are very dangerous at running the ball. We’ll have to find a way to stop them," Thornton said.

Thornton said that his team is going to have to have a great game defensively in order to get their sixth win of the season.