ONEONTA – The Appalachian Eagles were able to establish momentum early and wouldn’t let go in a 35-7 victory over Cedar Bluff in the second round of the Class 1A football playoffs Friday.

The Eagles (10-2) advance to host R.A. Hubbard (10-2) in next Friday’s quarterfinals. Cedar Bluff’s season ends at 8-4.

Appalachian was able to prevent Tiger senior quarterback Kyle Crane from having another breakout performance. The Eagles limited Crane to completing 5-of-18 passes for 72 yards through the air with a touchdown and an interception.

Crane’s lone touchdown went to DeAngelo Hardy, who scored on a 30-yard pass with 2:08 to go in the third quarter. Hardy finished the game with two catches for 34 yards.

Jim Nelson led the Tiger rushing attack with 65 yards on seven carries, all in the second half.

Appalachian got on the board first when Dylan Schuman scored on an 89-yard run with 6:24 to go in the opening quarter. Junior Guerra’s extra point made it 7-0 Eagles.

Appalachian added to their lead on Zac Blythe’s 1-yard touchdown run, capping a 4 play, 11-yard drive set up by fumbled punt by Cedar Bluff. Guerra’s kick made it 14-0 Eagles with 2:07 to go in first quarter.

After Cedar Bluff was stopped on downs in the second quarter, the Eagles got their passing game going as quarterback Jeremy Hill connected with Jacob Chappelle on a 22-yard touchdown pass. Chappelle’s score increased Appalachian’s lead to 21-0 with 6:54 remaining in the half.

After Crane was picked off, the Eagles tacked on one more score before the break on Schuman’s 7-yard touchdown run with 2:50 remaining, pushing their lead to 28-0.

Schuman finished with 196 yards and two scores on 23 carries.

Cedar Bluff finally got on the board in the third quarter on Crane’s touchdown pass to Hardy, but Appalachian added another touchdown with 10:44 to go in the game. Hill connected with Chappelle on a 4-yard pass for the final.

Hill completed 9-of-14 passes for 107 yards and two scores. Chappelle finished with five catches for 72 yards and two touchdowns.