Despite Goshen’s 26-13 loss to Elba Friday night, coach Bart Snyder feels his team is getting better and can still be a contender in Class 2A Region 2.

“I saw a vastly different team in Week 2 than in Week 1,” Snyder said. “We still have to work on some little things but the guys are working really hard.”

The Eagles are 0-2 overall and 0-1 in region play on the young season but that could soon change if Goshen continues to make progressive strides.

“I was very pleased with the amount of improvement since our first game,” said Snyder.

Goshen will get back to work this week preparing for Red Level on Friday night, a game that could shape the landscape of the region early in the season.

The Tigers, who are also 0-2, will come into the matchup having been outscored 116-0 in their contests with Brantley and New Brockton.

The Eagles had chances to knock off the top ranked Elba squad. Trailing only 13-6 midway through the fourth quarter, Goshen fumbled the ball giving the Tigers excellent field position.

“We just ran out of steam,” Snyder said. “We made some mistakes that cost us.”

The turnover would ultimately led to a Elba touchdown. The Tigers would score another to ice the game.

Snyder was also pleased the amount of sustained drives his offense was able to put together.

Of Goshen’s eight possession’s three were of 13 or more plays, and Elba only forced one three-and-out.

The Eagles chewed up most of the second quarter with a 17-play drive that stalled at the Elba 25-yard line. The drive only allotted the Tigers time for 11 plays in the quarter.

“The long drive were an accomplishment that our offensive line should be proud of,” Snyder said. “They are very young and inexperienced but they did a great job.”

Synder also mentioned that his defense’s increased aggressiveness also played a key role in keeping the Eagles in the game.

Goshen will travel to Red Level Friday night. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

Goshen last lost to Red Level in 2005.