Like the saying “it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish”, the Goshen Eagles look to finish on the same path that they’re on right now.

Winners of four straight, Eagle nation is beginning to feel that same magic that was in the air last season.

Goshen (4-2, 3-1) is reaching the end of the meat of their schedule and 3-1 looks pretty good in a region looked up for grabs two weeks ago.

Samson comes into the Eagles Nest with a 3-3 overall record and 2-2 in region play. The Tigers fell to Elba and Highland Home in their Region 2 matchups while defeating Red Level and is currently the only team to top Zion Chapel this season.

The Eagles were not all to pleased with their performance in a 9-0 victory over a winless Calhoun team.

“We played a sloopy game,” said head coach Bart Snyder. “We were fortunate to come away with a win.”

Goshen defeated Samson last season, 35-14, but trail the Tigers 2-3 in the all time series, although the teams haven’t played regularly since 1975-78.

Oddly, the Eagles are tied for second in the region (with Zion Chapel) despite producing the third lowest point total, 128, in Region 2.

One reason has been their timely defense. Goshen has forced turnovers when they needed them the most and made stops at critical times.

The Eagles shut out against Calhoun last week was the first for the program since they defeated McKenzie, 38-0, on Sept. 29 2006.

“Our defense played well,” Snyder said of his team’s play against Calhoun. “We got a good performance from the unit, especially the linebackers.”

Goshen’s defense is on pace to allow just 223 points this season which will be the teams second lowest total dating back eight seasons. The only season in that time they allowed fewer? 2010.

The Eagles are looking the earn their fifth consecutive playoff berth and a win tonight will all but assure that goal is reached.