Football Recap: Appalachian Starts off Right with Win over Holly Pond + How To Watch

Appalachian gave their fans exactly what they wanted out of a home opener on Friday. Their defense stepped up to hand the Holly Pond Broncos a 25-0 shutout. That's more bragging rights for the Eagles, who also won the pair's last head-to-head.

Braden Gilliland was nothing short of spectacular: he rushed for 218 yards and three TDs while picking up 8.7 yards per carry. He also put in work on the defensive side of the ball, picking up a sack and making six total tackles (3.0 for loss).

Cole Smith

Total Tackles

08/22/25 vs Holly Pond	10
11/15/24 vs Lynn	8
11/08/24 vs Donoho	10
10/25/24 vs Valley Head	8
10/18/24 @ Woodville	16
+ 5 more games

Appalachian didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Sam Stidham and Cole Smith. Smith is also on a roll when it comes to total tackles, as he's now made seven or more in each of the last ten games he's played dating back to last season. Stidham got in on the action too, converting a pick into a touchdown.

Looking ahead, Appalachian will square off against Cleveland at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. As for Holly Pond, they will take on Hanceville at 7:00 p.m. on Friday.