An eight-year playoff drought was all but forgotten about in Goshen last Friday night when the final horn sounded at the Eagle’s Nest.

The Eagles blasted the Wildcats of Fultondale 50-32 and in the process advanced to the next round of the Class 2A playoffs.

“We were all very excited [about the win],” head coach Bart Snyder said. “I still don’t think we playing a complete game though. We got off to a fast start with a couple of touchdowns and then got complacent and allowed [Fultondale] to come back.

“But this team battled back and put the ball in the end zone to give us a lead at the half,” the coach added. “It made a big difference of the rest of the game.”

The win improved GHS to 8-3 overall on the season.

Now, the Eagles prepare for its next task – defeating Pickens County on the road. The Tornadoes are sporting a 10-1 overall record, with its only loss coming on the road to Gordo back in the last week of the season.

In the first round of the playoffs, PCHS defeated Keith 57-24. “We match up well in some areas but there are some areas where we really have to work at if we want to beat Pickens County,” Snyder said.

“They are a very good team, with a very good coaching staff.”

One of the obstacles that the Eagles will be trying to overcome is one that no team has been able to do this season – beat PCHS as a visiting team. So far, the Tornadoes are undefeated at home with a 6-0 record.

GHS has not has the best season when on the road either this season, posting a 2-2 record.

However, there is one aspect that Snyder talked about that may help take the pressure off of the Eagles during this team of year.

“We are looking at these playoff games as just another game,” the coach said. “I think it has helped the team a lot too.”

“It keeps the guys focused on their objectives rather than worrying about the stresses of a playoff game.”

The Eagles will look to derail the Tornadoes on Friday in Pickens County, with a kick off scheduled for 7 p.m.