Sports Editor

Eagles head coach Joe Thornton has lost last year’s leading tackler, linebacker Lawrence Mosely to Charles Henderson High School. Mosely recorded 73 tackles last season for the Eagles, but has since moved on to Coach Hugh Fountain and the Trojans.

But since then Thornton’s picked up a couple of familiar faces which could make Goshen even more dangerous this fall.

Starting with linebacker/tight end Marcus Scott. Scott last played with the Eagles in 1998 under then-head coach Julius Head. He practiced in the spring with Thornton before moving to Germany prior to the 1999 season.

Now Scott’s back and Thornton couldn’t be happier.

"I feel like Marcus will fit in real well with both our offense and defense," he said.

The Eagles lost All-County tight end Tony Merritt to graduation and that position was a big question mark coming out of the spring.

"Tony was a real good player for us," said Thornton. "He had real quick feet and Marcus reminds me a lot of Tony. He can help us a lot in so many areas."

Sophomore wide receiver Kendaris Pelton has also rejoined the team. Pelton was unable to participate in spring practice due to a knee injury and it was unsure whether or not he would be back with the Eagles in 2000.

Pelton came on strong last season at both wide out and cornerback. His 6-foot-4 presence assures Thornton that an opposing defense won’t be able to concentrate on just senior Jamar Tucker, Goshen’s big time playmaker.

"I’m glad we were able to get Kendaris back for the season," said Thornton.

Which brings us to familiar face number three. Highland Home’s starting quarterback from a year ago Michael Hatten.

Hatten started for the Eagles in 1998, but moved to Crenshaw County in ’99 to help guide the Flying Squadron to 10-3 season, which included an appearance in the state playoffs.

This year, however, Hatten will have to battle for the quarterback job. First he will have to contend with last year’s starter Quez Burden. Then there’s talented sophomore Averick Rogers, who backed up Hatten much of Goshen’s 1998 season.

"Michael has a lot to learn as far as picking up our system," said Thornton. "I told him he will get every opportunity available to prove himself, just like Quez and Averick."

Thornton said the Eagles offense is a little more wide open then Highland Home’s.

"In our offense, I tend to let the quarterbacks do a few more things and give them a little more control, as far as checking off at the line and such" he said.