Goshen welcomes in talented Flying Squadron
Published 11:00 pm Thursday, October 17, 2013
The Goshen Eagles have had a roller coaster season as the 2013 football season nears the three-quarter mark.
Goshen has been blown out by a couple of opponents, had close games with a few and has even done a fair share of routing teams themselves through seven games.
After all the ups-and-downs, the Eagles still control their own destiny in terms of making the Alabama High School Athletic Association playoffs. Goshen has advanced to the post-season in each of the last five seasons, and stand just one more win away from making it six straight.
The Eagles need a win over Highland Home or Zion Chapel to secure the four seed in 2A Region 2.
“We are concentrating on this ball game right here,” said Goshen head coach Bart Snyder. “We always preach one game at a time, and not to look down the road. We know that we control our own destiny, and feel like we can compete with Highland Home and Zion. We have to finish strong and get some momentum.”
Goshen welcomes in the Highland Home Flying Squadron to the Eagles Nest Friday night for homecoming. The Squadron, led by head coach Tom Pinkston, are locked in the playoffs, but are still fighting for higher seed.
Highland Home also controls its own destiny, as they could finish as high the No. 2-seed by winning the final two region games.
Pinkston is notorious for using a wide variety of formations and plays, but Snyder feels that he and his staff have a solid game plan for the high-flying Squadron.
“We have covered everything he has shown so far,” Snyder said. “Then again, he may come out Friday and show us something totally different. If he does show us something different, we will have to make adjustments on the fly. We have struggled at times this season making adjustments, so that will be a key part.”
Friday is homecoming for the Eagles, and dozens of alumni will be attendance for the game, and pre-game festivities.
Snyder said his players always put a little added pressure on themselves to play well at home, and even more on homecoming.
“Our kids want to win for this school and community,” said Snyder. “They put more pressure on themselves than they should. This week should be fun for them, and they need to have a good time, but also stay focused on getting the W.”
Goshen and Highland Home have met 44 times, with the Eagles winning 24 of those contests. The 44 games against the Squadron are the most for the Eagles against any opponent.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Homecoming festivities will be conducted pre-game, and begin at 6:30.