Even in a bad season, there are still small victories to be had.

Good, competitive games and even a win here and there can brighten the mood in the locker room and take away some of the bitterness of losing.

With two weeks left in the regular season, that’s exactly what the Porter’s Chapel Academy Eagles are striving for — and what they have a golden opportunity to accomplish.

The Eagles (1-7) take on winless Glenbrook (0-7) for homecoming on Friday night, and then finish up with a road game at Park Place (3-5) next week. They won’t make the playoffs, but with two winnable games in front of them there’s still a chance to finish on a positive note.

“I’ve felt all year long that if we cleaned up our mistakes and played the way we were capable of playing, that we could find some success. I still feel that way,” PCA coach Blake Purvis said. “I’m starting to see more of that, and we’re finding ways to build on more of the successes that we have had.”

PCA has lost its last five games since beating Hillcrest for its only victory of the season. It has had some competitive moments — and some not so competitive ones — since then. Several players have quit the team and younger ones have risen up in their place to begin building for the future.

Amidst the losing and turmoil have been some bright spots. Wide receiver Michael Tod Andrews tied a school record with 10 receptions in last week’s 56-7 loss to Central Hinds. Over the past two games, quarterback Luke Yocum has completed 66.7 percent of his passes. Defensive lineman McKinley Skipper had nine tackles, a fumble recovery and a sack against Central Hinds and leads Warren County with five sacks this season.

Those highlights, Purvis said, have been silver linings in a gloomy season.

“They’re building off of that,” Purvis said. “They’re progressing forward in areas we’ve struggled in, and really figuring out their strengths and weaknesses and how to overcome the weaknesses.”

Purvis added that he’s been encouraged by the team’s attitude in the season’s dying days. At a time when a lot of players could easily check out mentally, he said his roster has remained upbeat and competitive.

“I don’t think that’s as big an issue with these guys as it could be. They’re still focused on the task at hand, and they’re showing up with positive attitudes and are willing to work. They’re looking forward to the chances we have for success the last two weeks,” Purvis said. “It’s definitely easier to coach a group that continues to show drive and a determination to finish, and that is persistent in their actions.”

FRIDAY’S AREA GAMES
All games start at 7 p.m.
Vicksburg at Ridgeland (Radio: 107.7 FM/1490 AM)
Glenbrook at Porter’s Chapel (Radio: 104.5 FM)
Warren Central at Murrah (Radio: 105.5 FM)
Hillcrest Christian at St. Aloysius (Radio: 101.3 FM)
Franklin County at Port Gibson
Tallulah Academy at Riverdale Academy
Claiborne Academy at Briarfield Academy
Delta Streets at Sharkey-Issaquena
Union Parish Madison Parish

ONLINE: For live updates on Friday night, visit vicksburgpost.com