Football Game Preview: Appalachian Eagles vs. Spring Garden Panthers + How To Watch

Appalachian is 0-4 against Spring Garden since August of 2015 but things could change on Friday. The Eagles will host the Panthers at 7:00 p.m. Appalachian is currently enjoying a perfect season and no doubt wants to keep things rolling.

While Appalachian's win against Section wasn't quite the blowout it was the last time the pair played, they still came out on top. The Eagles won a game that couldn't have been any closer, slipping by the Lions 34-33.

Braden Gilliland was his usual excellent self, rushing for 200 yards and five scores on only 15 carries. His longest rush was for an incredible 82 yards. Colton Caldwell was another key player, rushing for 82 yards and one touchdown on only six carries.

They were just one part of a punishing run game: Appalachian was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 303 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 303 rushing yards in three consecutive contests.

Meanwhile, it was a proper cat-fight when Spring Garden took on Cedar Bluff on Friday. The Panthers took their matchup with ease, bagging a 42-14 victory over the Tigers. The Panthers might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won three games by 22 points or more this season.

Appalachian better keep an eye on Brady Ruark. He was instrumental in Spring Garden's win, rushing for 157 yards and three TDs on only 11 carries. With that strong performance, Ruark is now averaging an impressive 110.5 rushing yards per game.

Appalachian's win bumped their record up to 6-0. As for Spring Garden, their victory bumped their record up to 4-2.

Appalachian suffered a grim 46-21 defeat to Spring Garden when the teams last played back in October of 2024. Will the Eagles have more luck at home instead of on the road? Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other football content.