By Jeb Sharp

A soggy Alabama night was not enough to stop the Goshen (1-2, 1-1) offense from catching fire as the Eagles raced out to a 34-0 halftime lead and held on for a 34-14 win over New Brockton.

Running back Terriano Griffin ignited the Eagles offense with a 52-yard touchdown run on the Eagles second play from scrimmage.

The Goshen defense would come up big two plays later on the Gamecocks first drive of the game by forcing a fumble. Griffin would once again play the hero by recovering the ball at the Gamecock 39.

The Goshen offense would not be able to capitalize on the excellent field position, however, as the New Brockton defense stuffed Goshen quarterback Deangelo Orum on a fourth down designed quarterback read.

Reinvigorated by its defensive stand, New Brockton methodically moved the ball into Goshen territory before being stopped on fourth down at the Goshen 18. Tyler Phillips made the crucial stop, sacking Gamecock quarterback Shay Hobbs for a five-yard loss on the play.

With the ball back and momentum on their side, Goshen wasted no time in scoring another touchdown. Quarterback Deangelo Orum found receiver Marquell Gibbs alone in the end-zone on a 22-yard corner route to take a 13-0 lead with 2:45 left in the

“I saw that my receiver had a lot of grass in front of him,” Orum said. “The safety was biting on the short route and I just got it out there.”

On the Gamecocks’ next possession, they once again moved the ball deep into Eagle territory before being stopped once again on fourth down at the Eagle 16.

The Eagles’ offense remained aggressive on their next drive, marching 84 yards downfield for their third score of the game. Terriano Griffin added his second touchdown of the game on an 11-yard dive.

The Eagle defense came up big on the next two New Brockton possessions with Anthony Rogers recovering a New Brockton fumble on the Goshen 19. The Goshen offense quickly punted the ball back to New Brockton, but, on the Gamecock’s second play of the drive, defensive lineman Denzil Green intercepted a New Brockton screen pass and returned the ball 51 yards for the fourth Goshen touchdown of the night.

Goshen would add one more touchdown before halftime when Orum connected with running back Derries Kite on a screen pass for a 25-yard pass with nine seconds remaining in the half to make the game 34-0.

The Gamecocks shut out the Eagles in the second half, but two touchdowns from Jacquez Lane would not be enough to overcome the Goshen lead.

The Eagles were led on the ground by Griffin, who carried the ball eight times for 87 yards and two touchdowns. Deangelo Orum finished 5-10 for 92 yards and two touchdowns through the air.

Senior wide receiver Stevie Rodgers noted the letdown that followed halftime. “I try to be a great role model and leader for the team,” Rodgers said. “We need to stay tougher and learn not to give up.”

Coach Bart Snyder praised his team’s first half performance but was disappointed with the Eagles’ effort in the second half. “Each week we got a little better, and this week we were more aggressive and played more physical. I was proud of the way the team conducted themselves. We were in a physical game and only had one penalty,” Snyder said.

“But, we lacked intensity in the second half. We have to learn that we cannot be satisfied with a lead,” Snyder said. If we want to be a championship caliber team, we have to play for four quarters, those last two being the most important.”

Even with the decisive victory, Snyder saw room for improvement. “Our younger guys need to play better. We’re putting juniors out there, and they’re scared to death of playing.”

Goshen travels to Calhoun for another region match up next Friday at 7 p.m.