The JV Goshen Eagles couldn’t overcome a 22-point deficit in the first half and fell 22-8 to Highland Home on Tuesday.

“I saw guys play with a little more heart and effort tonight,” said Eagle head coach Ian Kimbro. “I saw no quit and that’s what made me proud. We still have a lot of work to do. I just want to see improvement, and I have been.”

The Flying Squadron got off to a quick start against the Eagles by scoring touchdowns on their first two drives. The opening drive took only three plays to get the ball in the end zone, when quarterback Daniel Phillips connected with Noah Phillips from 50 yards out.

The Eagles struggled to get anything going on their first drive going three and out from their own 25-yard line, giving the Squadron offense the football.

The Squadron started their drive at around the 50-yard line and on the fourth play of the drive they struck again as Phillips rushed from 13-yards out.

Desperate to get any offense going the Eagles turned the ball over for the first of four times when the Flying Squadron intercepted a pass later in the first quarter.

The Eagles were able to stop the Squadron after the interception but once again failed to get any offense established.

The Flying Squadron struck for their third touchdown of the half on a 15 yard run giving them a 22-0 lead after they failed on a two point conversion try.

The Eagles did have a couple successful plays during the first half including a 50-yard rush by Rico Harris.

With the Eagles driving late in the second quarter they attempted a flea flicker that was intercepted to halt the drive.

The second half was won by the Eagles they continued to battle and finally were able to sneak the ball over the goal line.

After a lengthy drive, Eagle quarterback Bailey Wright handed the ball over to leading rusher Harris who ran it into the end zone from 13 yards out. Harris also converted the two-point conversion to bring the score to 22-8.

“Rico did a very good job,” Kimbro said. “He had pure effort and that’s what we ask out of kid we ask for everything they can give us and I felt like he did.”

The defense was the story of the second half for the Eagles. The Flying Squadron offense which was nearly unstoppable in the first half was held scoreless in the second half due to numerous penalties and physical Eagle defense.

The Eagles finished with 230 yards of total on the night with 160 coming on the ground.

Wright finished the game completing two of his six passes for 56 yards on the night.

Harris led the Eagles in Rushing with 125 yards and a touchdown.

Coaches were able to play a lot of their bench players.

“It’s very important for kids to get experience, especially at this level,” Kimbro said. “It was good for them and I know it made them feel good.”

Next Tuesday these two teams will meet again in Highland Home. Kick off is scheduled for 6 p.m.