The Eastside Eagles made their case for a playoff berth Friday night on the road, defeating region opponent Walnut Grove 42-14 to remain in the hunt for the fourth postseason spot in Region 8-AAAA.

Eastside led just 16-14 at the half, but reeled off 26 unanswered points in the second half against the Warriors.

The win moves the Eagles to 5-3 overall with a 3-2 mark in region action, while Walnut Grove falls to 1-7 overall with a winless 0-5 record in region play.

The Warriors’ night began on a high note, as they scored the game’s first touchdown on their second drive of the game.

Eastside and Walnut Grove traded punts on their opening drives, but the Warriors found the end zone on their second possession on a 37-yard run by Jeremy Henry. The Warriors’ Scott Martin converted the extra-point kick, giving Walnut Grove a 7-0 first-quarter lead.

The Eagles’ first score came on the defensive side of the ball when the Warriors’ mishandled a bad snap that went out the back of the Warriors’ end zone for a safety.

Eastside took its first lead four plays later, taking the Warriors’ kickoff after the safety just outside of the Warriors’ red zone. Stationed at the Warriors’ 23-yard line, the Eagles converted the Warriors’ miscue into a touchdown, crossing the goal line on a Carlos Huggins 2-yard touchdown run. Eastside ran in the 2-point conversion for a 10-7 lead.

Walnut Grove answered the Eagles’ touchdown with a score of its own, regaining the lead thanks to a 46-yard run from T.J. Little. Little’s score handed the Warriors a 14-10 advantage.

The Eagles claimed the lead for good with about three minutes to go in the first half, scoring again on a 4-yard Jomandi Smith touchdown run. Eastside’s extra-point attempt was blocked, but the score was enough to give the Eagles a 16-14 advantage at the half.

Eastside scored four more times in the second half, including three rushing touchdowns and a fumble return for a score.

The Eagles’ defense held Walnut Grove scoreless in the second half, the Warriors’ 10th shutout quarter in 12 total quarters of action.

Eastside’s victory over Walnut Grove sets up a date with Stephens County this Friday for the region’s final playoff spot.

Stephens County fell 31-14 to Lanier Friday night, giving the Indians a 2-3 region record. A win over the Indians would lock up a playoff spot for the Eagles.

The Eagles will host the Indians at Sharp Stadium at 7:30 p.m.