By D. Mark Mitchell
Sports Editor
OHS head coach Brian Blackmon and his staff had a simple message for the Bulldogs after the BRHS game, “Start fast.”
The football team was listening because Opelika scored on their first four possessions to defeat R.E. Lee 33-7 at Bulldog Stadium.
The Dawgs took the opening possession 74 yards in eight plays for a TD after TJ Griffen ran four yards up the middle.
Calvin Bryant, getting his first playing time this year, ran for 120 yards in the first half while scoring three touchdowns. Bryant would end the night with 163 yards on the ground.
Quarterback Mathew Christian found Jakell Mitchell for the other score in the half. It was 26-0 before Lee scored a touchdown with two minutes before halftime to make it 26-7.
The Bulldogs rushed for 200 yards in the first half and ended the night with almost 400 yards for the night.
The defense started fast and did not allow a first down until late in the second quarter.
The line got a boost from Martin Scott, getting his first start this year, who had two sacks and an interception.
“All week long we stressed to the guys to start fast, we preached fast on offense and defense. Our first drive set the tone. We needed this win tonight and I am proud of our kids and coaches as well as the Opelika fans who packed our home side tonight,” said Blackmon on his post game radio show.
The Dawgs won’t have long to celebrate, Central comes to town undefeated and fresh off a victory over Carver.
We have not beaten the Red Devils in three years. Central is 2-0 after beating Russell County and Carver.
They have a new quarterback and several new skilled players. Head coach Woodrow Lowe is in his third year.
Keys to Victory
Opelika needs a huge crowd to help the team. We have to start fast again and have no turnovers. Establish the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. The offense must be able to run the football which would take the pressure off QB Mathew Christian. If we are able to do these things we will win the game.
Go Dawgs!
You can listen to the Opelika vs. Central game on WKKR 97.7 KICKER FM or on the web at www.kickerfm.com.
The Opelika broadcast team will broadcast the game.
Opelika vs. Carver
The Opelika vs Carver game will be played next Saturday night, on Sept. 22, in Montgomery at Crampton Bowl.
The game will be broadcast on WMXA 96.7, due to the Auburn vs. LSU game on the KICKER.
