The Goshen Eagles took part in the Southeast Showdown Friday night to prepare for their upcoming season opener against Ariton.

The Eagles paired up with Elba to take on Wicksburg and G.W. Long at Tiger Stadium in Elba. The Tigers and the Eagles came out on top, beating Wicksburg and G.W. Long 28-14.

“It was good to be able to get out there,” said head coach Bart Snyder. “Especially for the guys. They were able to get out here and hit someone different than (their teammates). Then there were guys who have never played before, so it’s a good opportunity for them to see what the game is like.”

The Eagles year-in and year-out bring along a handful of players new to the game of football, and Snyder said events like this are what get them ready.

“They got better as it went,” Snyder said. “It wasn’t a full game, so you couldn’t work everybody in. Some made some first-game mistakes, but they will settle down.”

The Goshen offense, led by senior quarterback Brock Snyder, moved the ball against two quality opponents in Wicksburg and G.W. Long.

“We were able to move the ball,” Snyder said. “We did pretty good against them. Having to play four quarters against them would be tough.”

The Eagles now shift their focus to the regular season, beginning Friday night when they hit the road for Ariton, a team that already has one regular season game under their belt.

“We just have to get them mentally ready to understand what we have to do,” Snyder said. “Not only the players, but the coaches. We have to do a better job substituting and keeping guys fresh.”

Kickoff between the Eagles and the Purple Cats is scheduled for 7 p.m.