The Goshen Eagles hope the running game will help pace them to a victory Friday when they play the Luverne Tigers.

The Eagles are off to a 2-0 for the first time since 2000.

“We still have plenty of room to improve,” said Eagles head coach Bart Snyder. “Their confidence is beginning to build. I am very proud to have those two first wins. It is a lot better then where we were this time last year.”

The Tigers (2-0) face their first region opponent in Goshen.

“They have a very good offensive line,” Snyder said. “They have some really good running backs and quarterback that does a really good job with the pass option. They are extremely well coached.”

Luverne’s defense shut out Highland Home in week one, but allowed 34 points a week ago in a win over St. Lukes.

“They are just a sound team that doesn’t make mistakes,” Snyder said.

In the first two games this year, the Eagles have scored a total of 84 points after being shutout the first two games last year.

“There is a little more confidence in themselves in what they can do,” Snyder said. “The guys in the skill positions are more confident, and they are believing in themselves and their teammates.”

Most of their success on the ground comes from Damion Passmore, Zack Alford and DaQuan Foster, who helped the Eagles rush for 249 yards and quarterback Brock Snyder continues to get better.

“He is doing a good job and he has good leadership,” Snyder said. “We are proud of that. He has to work on his leads with his throwing and getting the ball out quicker. Other than that, he has good leadership and not to make too many mistakes.”

The Eagles will make the trek to Glenn Daniel Stadium a venue in which the Tigers finished 2-2 a year ago.

“It’s always a challenge when you go into Luverne,” Snyder said. “The tradition going into Glenn Daniel Stadium is enough said. We have to grow up and be ready to play ball against them.”

A win will make the Eagles 2-0 within the region before playing top ranked Elba next week.

“Anytime you can start region play on the winning side brings confidence,” Snyder said.

The Tigers and Eagles will kick things off at 7 p.m. on Friday.