vs. Opelika: History

The two teams first played in 1925. Opelika leads the series 42-38 with three ties. OHS has outscored Auburn 1283 to 1137. Auburn has won the last three games for the first time since 1981-1983. Since 1984, Opelika has won 21 of the 30 games. Auburn coach Tim Carter is 3-2 vs Opelika while coach Blackmon is 0-2 in the series. Both teams are 6-1 overall and 4-1 in the Region. The region games and comparative scores are listed below:

 

Dothan-Aub-17-14, Ope-21-7

Enterprise-Aub-55-24, Ope-42-35

Northview-Aub-55-24, Ope-34-20

Smiths Station-Aub-49-14, Ope-24-0

Central-both lost-Aub-43-26, Ope-34-7.

Big wins outside of the region-Opelika defeated Prattville 16-14 while Auburn defeated Oxford 44-38. Auburn averages 122 yards passing, 339 rushing and 42 points per game.

Opelika averages 82 yards passing, 204 yards rushing and 25 points per game.

The statistics are deceiving because Opelika and Auburn use different philosophies. The Tigers depend on a high powered offense with more returning starters on that side of the ball. Opelika has 29 seniors and

would rather use a ground attack to run the clock and play great defense. Both teams have skill players and play makers. The coaching staffs are both great.

This should be a good ole fashion “Barn Burner.”

Key to Victory

Opelika has to make Auburn drive the length of the field and keep field position. We have to limit the big plays or long gains when the Tigers have the ball. The Bulldog defense has to stop them early and feed off the home crowd. The special teams will be important and could determine the outcome of the game. The winner will host a first round playoff game and finish second in the Region unless Smiths Station upsets Central tonight.

I predict Opelika will win this game because of the home field advantage and our defense. I believer our D-line is strong and they will make it difficult for Auburn to move the ball consistently.

Our offense will be able to run the ball. That will be enough for an Opelika win.

Listen to the Game

You can listen to the Auburn-Opelika game on WKKR 97.7 KICKER FM or on the internet at

www.kickerfm.com.

The Kicker will start broadcasting live outside the stadium with the tailgate show at 4 p.m.

Coach Blackmon’s pre-game show starts at 6:30 p.m. with live coverage at 6:45 p.m

You can hear the entire game halftime and postgame comments from coach Blackmon.

Then you can listen to the High School Scoreboard show following the game.

Next Thursday game against Parker

OHS will host Parker High School out of Birmingham. The Thursday game is the last regular season

game and it is “Senior Night” for the team, band and cheerleaders. Kickoff is set for 7p.m.