Week 10 - Mountain Strong

Just five weeks ago, Hurricane Helene unleashed damage of biblical proportions on the mountain region of Western North Carolina. Some communities still lack electricity and running water. Yet, the people of the region are among the most resilient and hearty in the country. Despite the devastation, destruction, and loss of life, they continue to face each day with strength and optimism.

King Street in Boone on 9/27/24

Nearly a year ago, my high school crew and I decided our annual boys’ trip would be to Appalachian State in Boone, North Carolina. But after Hurricane Helene, the school had to shut down for several weeks, casting doubt on whether they’d play another home game this season. The Boone community and Appalachian State staff worked incredibly hard to restore the school and football program, and this past weekend, six of us, high school classmates from Seneca Valley High many moons ago, made the trek to Boone for a memorable football weekend.

The hurricane’s impact was evident around Boone, with piles of debris in driveways and businesses and signs of flood damage as high as 20 feet up in trees. We rented an amazing cabin with a stream running through the property, where the aftermath of the hurricane was clear.

On our way into Boone Friday, we stopped in Blowing Rock for a beer and pizza lunch to kick off the weekend. This beautiful town off the Blue Ridge Parkway offered stunning views of mountain and valley mosaics. After stocking up on provisions, we settled into the cabin, retelling the same old tales we share every year—and yet they never get old. Like good boys, we made sure to go to bed early as instructed by our wives. Technically 2 AM is early…..very early.

Saturday morning, we loaded up my buddy Tony’s van—a cross between an Amazon delivery van and the Mystery Machine from Scooby-Doo. We were all a bit wary about driving through a college town looking like a group of senior citizens in a kidnapper van! However, it was perfectly equipped for a tailgate, with a refrigerator stocked with beer and food. We parked in town, set up a Spartan tailgate, and enjoyed some amazing chicken salad, cold beers and southern rock before heading to the game with a 2:30 p.m kick off.

Top - Student tailgate rager, the boys tailgating and the Scooby Doo Kidnapper Van

Appalachian State first hit the national scene nearly two decades ago when, as an FCS team, they upset Michigan in the Big House. Now a Division I-A team in the Sun Belt Conference, they were hosting conference rival Old Dominion University. Neither team has had a stellar season, but this would be my first game at Appalachian State—a new venue checked off the list.

Legends of the Fall

The Mountaineers play in Kidd Brewer Stadium, one of the most picturesque settings in the country, nestled among rolling hills and trees. We swapped our original sun facing seats for ones in the shade as the action began, with both teams appearing evenly matched. App State was led by quarterback Joey Aguilar from Antioch, California, whom I saw play two years ago at Diablo Valley College. Aguilar got the Mountaineers on the board first with a 23-yard touchdown pass to receiver Kaedin Robinson. Old Dominion answered quickly, scoring 17 straight points. With just three minutes left in the half, Aguilar threw a 46-yard touchdown pass to Dalton Stroman, leaving Old Dominion up 17-14 at halftime.

Picturesque Kidd Brewer Stadium AKA The Rock

Aguilar opened the third quarter with a short touchdown pass, putting the Mountaineers on top 21-17. They held the lead, adding another touchdown in the fourth quarter while Old Dominion scored only one more field goal. The crowd went wild as the Mountaineers claimed a 28-20 victory in a closely contested game.

After the game, we headed back into town for some wings and pub food, then returned to the cabin to watch more football and share a few laughs. Appalachian State quickly became one of my top college football weekend experiences in my 20 year DFT quest.

Around the Country

Several notable upsets over the weekend shook up playoff contenders. In the ACC, Louisville traveled to Death Valley and knocked off Clemson, thier first loss since week 1 against UGA. Staying in the ACC, SMU defeated undefeated Pittsburgh 48-25, damaging Pitt’s shot at an ACC Championship and potential playoff spot. Texas Tech upset previously undefeated Iowa State in the Big 12, hurting their playoff chances. In the SEC, Texas A&M suffered a 44-20 loss to South Carolina in one of the weekend’s bigger upsets. Georgia came alive in the second half against Florida to secure a 34-20 win in a storied rivalry matchup. In Group of Five action, Army remained undefeated, beating service rival Air Force 20-3 without their star quarterback, Bryson Daly. And in a heavyweight battle, Penn State hosted Ohio State in Happy Valley. Once again, Coach James Franklin couldn’t get past Ohio State, losing 20-13.

Bieber Award

While there are many contenders each week, this week’s Bieber Award goes to someone who probably isn’t the kind of person you’d want your daughter bringing home. During Louisiana Monroe’s game against Marshall, offensive line coach Cameron Blankenship became so incensed over a player’s performance that he was seen shoving him on the field before other players intervened. Blankenship is in his first year at Louisiana Monroe, and this incident might be his last. It’s unacceptable for a coach to throw hands on a player, especially mid-game. Although the school says he’ll face disciplinary action, Blankenship can start enjoying his new Bieber hardware while awaiting his fate. Honorable mention goes to the dork who tried to get under Jason Kelce's skin at Penn State on Saturday. "You don't tug on Superman's cape.".......

Ginger Award

This week’s Ginger Award goes to the people of North Carolina’s mountain region. They truly are mountain strong. With minimal outside assistance, these folks have banded together to rebuild their communities, relying on each other instead of outside help. They embody resilience, and it was inspiring to see how upbeat everyone was despite the hurricane’s recent devastation. Boone’s people were extraordinarily friendly and happy, and I want to give them a shoutout for their resilient spirit. Here’s to you, Boone, you are this week’s Ginger winner.

Next Up

I may or may not attend a game this coming weekend. If I do, West Florida State in Pensacola, FL—a successful Division II program—might be the destination. Otherwise, I’ll rest up for the final stretch of the regular season.

Happy Tailgating!