The Chapin Eagles (7-3, 3-2) secured home field advantage in the first round of the playoffs with a 28-10 victory over Camden. Last game was much closer than the score suggests, as Chapin didn’t pull away until the final quarter. This critical win gives Chapin the luxury of not having to worry about the result of Dreher and Camden’s appeals to the decision of the High School League to ban them from the playoffs as a result of the fight that broke out at the end of the Dreher- Camden matchup a few weeks ago.

Instead, the Eagles can shift their attention to the upcoming game against the Seneca Bobcats (8-2, 5-2). The Bobcats, who are fresh off a 29-20 win over Daniel, will be a formidable opponent for the Eagles. Although Seneca has to travel for round 1 of the playoffs, it is only because there was a tie for second place in their region behind Wren with BHP and Daniel, so the Bobcats should not be taken lightly.

The Eagles look to be led offensively by quarterback Logan Bailey and running back Chandler Engel, both healthy after suffering injuries earlier in the season. Chapin’s impact players defensively will be Shrine Bowl defensive tackle Stephen Haralambis and defensive back Nate Blankenship. Look for Chapin’s 12th man to be extremely active in this game as the Chapin Pep Club cheer on their team in what may be the final home game of the season.

If the Eagles pull it out Friday, they will likely have to travel to their next game. If the game Friday results in a loss for Chapin, it will mark the end of what has been a very eventful season and also be the second year in a row the Eagles are eliminated in the first round of the playoffs at home. Expect this to be a tight game as both teams battle it out to prolong their seasons in this knockout match-up.