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Both the Pike Liberal Arts Patriots (6-1, 3-1) and Goshen Eagles (4-2, 3-1) have secured playoff spots and will meet in a Class 2A, Region 3 showdown in Goshen this Friday night.

With each earning wins last week – along with losses from other schools – Goshen and Pike Lib secured their place in the playoffs in 2024. For Pike Lib, it will be the first in school history as a part of the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA).

“I’m absolutely proud of these guys,” PLAS Coach William Moguel said. “These guys – especially our senior bunch – have worked hard and this is what they were looking forward to. Those seniors knew coming in (to AHSAA) that this would be the first year we would have this opportunity. They’ve done a great job with leadership and I’m happy for them and our coaches and the whole Pike Lib community that they all get to be a part of this first time in the playoff as a part of the AHSAA.”

When Goshen coach Don Moore took over in 2021, the Eagles were coming off an 0-9 season and won just one game in his first year at the helm. Now, they’ve secured back-to-back playoff appearances.

“I’m extremely proud of these guys,” Moore said. “They’ve worked really hard, not just this year but in previous years, as well. Their hard work is paying off and it’s great to see, especially for these seniors.

“When I got here they were all freshmen and we took our lumps that first year. Those guys all had to play then, too. So, I’m extremely proud to be in the playoffs again.”

Pike Lib earned a 22-0 shutout win over Zion Chapel last week despite a sloppy game that saw four turnovers and a slew of penalties hamper the Patriots.

“I think we played well but we squandered a lot of opportunities in that first half,” said Moguel. “We had several opportunities to score but had turnovers and a lot of penalties. We were really lucky, and blessed, to have that victory that we did, with all the turnovers and penalties. I’m really pleased with the fight the kids continued to play with and how hard they played.”

Meanwhile at Goshen, the Eagles celebrated Homecoming with a 62-0 dismantling of Barbour County.

“I think we played well,” Moore said. “We came out and the message was to meet our standard and start fast and never look back and I think our kids rose to that challenge and did just that.”

This will be the first time that Goshen and Pike have ever met on the football field but Moguel said he knows what challenge lies ahead for his Patriots.

“They are a very talented football team, a well coached football team,” Moguel emphasized. “They have some weapons there, so we have our work cut out for us. Coach Moore does a great job and their quarterback (Jayden McNabb), Tyler McLendon and Szemerick Andrews all really great athletes, they have an all around great football team. We are going to work today and try to get better, so we can give them a good game.”

Likewise, Moore said he’s impressed with what he’s seen from Pike Lib.

“They’re a good football team, that’s for sure,” Moore said of Pike. “They do a good job of establishing the run and they’re a physical bunch. They also do a good job of play action (off the run) and are able to keep you guessing. On defense, they really get after it and are aggressive. I expect to see a disciplined, aggressive football team when they come here.”

While both teams have playoff appearances wrapped up, both will now compete for seeding in the playoffs and a chance at a first round home game. Both coaches are looking for complete games out of their teams this Friday.

“We have to do what we we’ve been doing, play physical and fast and compete for four quarters,” Moore emphatically said. “That’s the main thing for us, compete and play a complete game.”

Moguel had similar thoughts.

“I want to see a complete four quarters of football,” he continued. “We have to cut back on the penalties and turnovers, but I want to see four quarters of complete football. If we do that, we give ourselves a chance to be in this thing at the end. That’s what I need to see out of our guys.”

Goshen hosts Pike Lib at 7 p.m. on Friday night at Eagle Stadium.