The Goshen Eagle JV football team was on cloud nine during their game against Pike County until a lightning storm prematurely ended the contest at halftime, with the Eagles claiming a 13-0 win.

The Eagles caught lightning in a bottle on their very first play from scrimmage.

Running back Jabronski Williams took the first carry of the game 60 yards down the Goshen sideline all the way into the Bulldog red zone before being dragged down. Williams’s electric run fired up the Eagle sideline.

Running back Zach Alford punched the ball into the end zone from ten yards out on the Eagles’ next play.

Two plays into the game and down six, it looked to be a long night for the Bulldogs.

The Goshen defense came out as strongly as the Eagle offense and forced the Bulldogs into a three-and-out.

The Goshen offense took the field looking to exploit some of the big running lanes opened by the offensive line on the first drive, but the Bulldog defense stood firm against the Eagle rushing attack and forced a fumble on a Goshen fourth down attempt to get the ball back to its offense near midfield.

The Pike County offense, however, was unable to take advantage of the good field position and actually lost yardage on its next three plays and surrendered the ball back to Goshen.

Goshen’s big play ability reared its head on the ensuing drive when running back Frank Harris took the ball in the Eagle backfield, broke through multiple Bulldog tackles, and sprinted into the end zone on a 36-yard touchdown scamper at the scoreboard buzzer went off to indicate the end of the first quarter.

Toler Richburg tacked on an extra point to make the game 13-0.

After an explosive first quarter, the game settled down as Pike County found its rhythm on defense. The running lanes that the Goshen backs had exploited in the first quarter were filled by white jerseys in the second.

With no success running the ball, Pike County attempted to spark its offense through the air. The change in game plan proved futile, however, as Goshen defensive back DaQuan Foster intercepted the first pass that was thrown his way.

The Eagles and Bulldogs traded possessions back and forth for the remainder of the first half and headed to headed to the locker rooms with the Eagles still leading by 13.

During the intermission, a storm rolled into the Eagles’ Nest, and it was decided by the coaches and officials to call the game at halftime.

Even though his team failed to put up points in the first half, Pike County coach Jim Bedsole thought his team had shown potential. “We were hoping to make a push in the second half before the game was called,” Bedsole said. “Not much went right offensively in the first half for us. Anytime we’d be moving the ball, we always had a setback or a negative play.”

Goshen coach Tony Ogleclark was thrilled by his team posting a shutout in the first half. “I thought that the defense did an awesome job,” Ogleclark said. “We’re really starting to come together out there. I thought the offensive line was very improved.”

Even though the game was called short, the game did provide valuable experience to players on both teams who also dress for their varsity teams.

Next Monday both JV squads will find themselves in action. The Eagles will host the McKenzie Tigers at the Eagles’ Nest. Pike County will travel to face off against Charles Henderson in Troy.