The Tyrone Golden Eagles regular season came to an end with a disappointing loss to Chestnut Ridge last Friday. The loss dropped the Eagles 2016 regular season record to an even .500, with five wins and five loses.

This week the Eagles prepare to face the Bedford Bison in round one of the AAA District VI playoffs on Friday night at Gray Field.

Head Coach Jason Wilson is hoping that the home field will provide the Eagles with an advantage this week.

“We need some fans to show up and give support so we can outnumber the opposing crowd. Bring back the 12th man,” said Wilson.

With no common opponents, it’s difficult to gauge how the two teams match up.  But what is clear is that the Bison play an aggressive 4-3 defense that should present a challenge to the Tyrone offense. The Bison are particularly good in the secondary with safeties that fly to ball.  Similar to Central and Hollidaysburg, two teams that gave the Eagles problems earlier this season, the Bison also have good tackling linebackers.

“We had improvement throughout the week but still needs to get the right mindset. We need to establish offensive drives and not give up big plays defensively,” said Wilson.

On the other side of the ball, the Bison run a read option offense.  While they don’t throw often, their junior quarterback Davis Kline is very mobile with 135 carries for 445 yards with nine touchdowns. Their other leading rusher is senior tailback Chris Ellis with 69 carries for 401 yards and four touchdowns.

The Eagles, on the other hand, have had a rough season dealing with injuries every week.

Losing their star running back Gary Weaver in the beginning of the season and a key lineman Stevie Colyer with leg injuries. As the season continued so did the injuries with multiple concussions and more lower body injuries.

Despite this, the Golden Eagles still managed to get the number three seed for playoffs.

“[The players] don’t want it to be their last game, and they will give it their all to win their last game at home,” said Wilson.