Bart Snyder has been associated with Goshen football for over 20 years. He has seen over 125 wins in his time wearing purple and gold as a head coach, assistant and player. But one of the wins stands out in his memory.

In 2011, Goshen traveled to the woods of Lowndes County searching for key region win. Calhoun was winless on the season, but gave the Eagles one of their toughest challenges of the season. Goshen boarded the buses that night and brought a hard-fought 9-0 win back to the Eagles’ Nest, but gained a newfound respect for the Tigers.

This Friday, the Eagles will once again make the trek to Calhoun, needing a win to keep pace early in the region title race. Snyder feels that his team can get the job done, if it stays focused and executes.

“We have definitely not had an easy schedule to start the year with Brantley, Pike County, Luverne and New Brockton to start with,” said Snyder. “It was really good to play those great ball teams, because Calhoun is so very athletic. We have had to remain very disciplined early, and that will certainly help us this week.”

Goshen is 4-1 all time against Calhoun, and are winners of four straight against the Tigers.

Despite the lopsided series record, Snyder knows that his team has its work cut for them.

“They are 1-2, and so are we,” Snyder said. “Coach (Bob) Williamson does a fantastic job over there, and basically does it right by himself. They have had a little success in the last few years, and will continue to get better. We have to be ready to play for a full 48 minutes Friday.”

Snyder said Goshen’s toughest opponent the first few weeks of the season has been itself.

“We are still working on fixing ourselves,” Snyder said. “We haven’t played a complete game yet, and are working to make that happen.”

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Friday in Letohatchee.