The Goshen Eagles have enjoyed the nice weather this week as they prepare for the Reeltown Rebels. The conditions have been favorable for football teams this week, and the Eagles hope that pays off on Friday night.

The Eagles (1-2, 1-1 AHSAA 2A Region 3) defeated the Rebels (2-1, 2-0) 22-16 in last season’s contest in double overtime.

“They are very athletic,” Eagles head coach Joe Thornton said. “They are probably the best team we will play this season. They are a very sound football team.”

The Eagles and the Rebels match up alike in most areas, but Thornton said there is one major difference between the two teams.

“Their quarterback is going to be the X-factor in the game,” Thornton said. “He was ineligible last season, but now he’s back.”

The Reeltown quarterback Thornton spoke about is aggressive and won’t hesitate to run out of the pocket and put his speed to work.

“He’s a left-hander that’s a lot like Michael Vick,” Thornton said. “He adds a whole new dimension to their offense.”

Thornton also said if Goshen can take care of the Rebels’ quarterback they should match-up well.

Defensively the Rebels show a five-man front that is designed to make the Eagles re-think their ground game or take it to the air.

“They pretty much know our offense and we pretty much know theirs,” Thornton said. “They have a real good nose guard on defense that our center will have to handle all night.”

Injuries aren’t a large factor in the Eagles practice efforts right now, but Thornton said it is something that has loomed with the team since spring drills.

“We’re a little banged up and actually we haven’t been completely healthy in a long time,” Thornton said.

The Eagles expect Reeltown’s best game on Friday night, and the Eagles are preparing to bring their best game as well.

“This should be a pretty good football game,” Thornton said. “If we don’t come mentally prepared we won’t play good. We weren’t mentally prepared last week. We definitely have to play a four-quarter game this week.”

The Eagles responded on a good note after their first loss with a win over Zion Chapel in week two.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Friday in The Eagles Nest.