Sports Writer

GOSHEN – In a hard fought game,Goshen defeated Highland Home in a thrilling 14-13 victory that secured the Eagles a home playoff game in the first round of the Class 2A state playoffs, which starts in two weeks.

"The key to our win was special teams and no turnovers," said GHS head coach Joe Thornton. "We knew we had to play a near perfect game to beat a sound and deep Highland Home squad."

Goshen improves to 6-3 (5-1 in Region 3), while the Flying Squadron falls to 6-3 (3-3).

Averick Rogers and Quez Burden led the Eagles. Rogers was 4-of-11 with a touchdown pass and Burden carried the ball 17 times for 119 yards and one touchdown. He also had nine tackles.

Highland Home hit paydirt first with 13 seconds left in the first quarter, when Wes Pouncey hit John May on a 65-yard touchdown pass, capping off a three-play, 70-yard drive. Doug Norman added the PAT.

At the 9:51 mark of the second, Goshen responded with a six-play, 68-yard drive as Jonathan Folmar caught a 26-yard pass from Rogers. Rogers added the extra point.

Rogers picked off a pass just before halftime, which led to a 53-yard touchdown run by Burden to put Goshen up 14-7.

After a scoreless third quarter, Highland Home put together a 10-play, 50-yard drive as Shaun May bulled over from the 1-yard line on fourth down. The PAT was no good, however, and Goshen still led 14-13.

Folmar picked off a Flying Squadron pass attempt with 1:20 left in the game to seal the win for Goshen.

Three Goshen players were in double digits in tackles. Clarence Bean had 11 to lead all Eagles’ players, while Raymond McNabb and Folmar each had 10. Damien Pelton and William Folmar had five each.

For Highland Home, the May brothers carried the bulk of the load, rushing 33 times for 171 yards. The Squadron were 6-of-14 passing for 76 yards and three interceptions.

Rogers had two picks for the Eagles.

Goshen travels to Pleasant Home next week for the regular season finale. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.