Following Goshen’s 48-20 loss to G.W. Long Thursday night, head coach Bart Snyder knew his players would bounce back.

The Eagles will get their chance at redemption this week but it will come against a tough opponent. Perennial region powerhouse Elba comes to Goshen Friday night for what is a much anticipated rematch after last season’s 21-19 nail-biter that handed the Eagles their only loss of the regular season.

“Elba always has a good team,” Snyder said. “They will be coming in looking to improve upon last week just like us.”

Elba had a close call last week, pulling out a 20-14 win over Opp.

Snyder feels that while beating Elba is always tough, his players responded to the challenge at Monday’s practice.

“Obviously, it’s early in the week,” said Snyder. “But our guys had a really good practice.”

The coach felt his younger players took a big step forward as well.

“Our young guys looked good at practice,” he said. “They were where they were supposed to be and hustled.”

While Snyder said playing a tough opponent like Elba early in the season isn’t ideal, his other region opponents are looking just as good early in the season.

“I can’t tell you one region opponent I would rather play in week two. Everyone looked good Friday night it seems. It shows just how tough this region is.”

Elba, Highland Home, Samson, and Zion Chapel all came away with victories last week.

Highland Home topped Central Hayneville, Samson defeated Florala, and Zion Chapel thumped Pleasant Home.

“Red Level and New Brockton can’t be overlooked either,” Snyder said. “They’re doing good things down there too.”

Goshen will kick off against Elba at 7 p.m. Friday at The Eagles Nest.