Wellsville High football coach Bill Oshel hasn’t had to caution his team about overconfidence during the Class 3A state playoffs.

The Eagles have won five straight, but Oshel says they’re not cocky. Five close losses to start the season took care of that.

Now the Eagles (5-5) want to see how long they can keep the streak going. Their next test comes at 7 tonight at home against Southeast of Cherokee (6-4), a squad from a town located about 12 miles southwest of Pittsburg.

“It’s coming along at the right time of season, because they know it’s do or die every time out,” Oshel said. “They’ve been through that difficult stretch, so it’s not like starting 5-0. They know what it feels like to lose, and they didn’t enjoy it much. They like this a lot better.”

The turnaround may seem surprising, but the Eagles expected it. Their five losses were to Class 4A schools by an average margin of eight points.

Wellsville has turned the corner in grand fashion, earning its five wins by an average of 22 points.

“Our kids are starting to become more familiar with what we’re trying to do,” Oshel said, “and we’re starting to do some things offensively and defensively that we’ve wanted to do all year long. We’re executing better, and a little confidence goes a long way sometimes.”

Quarterback Ryan Oshel has found a rhythm passing, All-Frontier League senior Gary Van Horn has been solid both rushing and receiving, and tailback Kelsey Currin has emerged.

Meanwhile, the Eagles’ defense has been spectacular, surrendering just 11 points per game. It’ll take another strong effort to keep the streak going.

“We haven’t seen anybody that’s really similar to them,” Bill Oshel said of Southeast-Cherokee. “They’ve got good size up front and like to spread you out with lots of different formations. They’ll be tough, but every team you’re going to see this time of year is going to be tough.”