BY DANIEL LOCKE
FOR THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA —
The Opelika High School Bulldogs girls soccer team has wasted no time adapting to competing as a 7A squad. The Bulldogs achieved a 7-5 overall record this season and went 4-2 in an area that included teams like Auburn and Central.
Opelika head coach Jacklyn Button offered her opinions on the team’s performance this season.
“Overall, I think my team has performed well in the regular season,” Button said. “We faced some challenging opponents, and although we struggled at times, I think we progressed throughout the whole season, which is what I like to see as a coach.”
While it is a challenge to succeed in the regular season, it is significantly harder to do so in the playoffs. Button said she realizes this and has a plan to guide the team through new territory.
“The first key to success for our team in playoffs is to take it game by game, and focus on the challenge directly in front of us,” Button said. “If we can outwork the other team, and be a physical threat, I am confident we can compete with any opponent. Some key things we focus on are doing the basics well, meaning we complete simple passes, communicate on the field, mark up, and challenge 50/50 balls. If we can execute these basic things well, we will see success.”
Moving up in classification presents new challenges and growing pains for a program, and Opelika’s girls soccer has been up to the task of adapting and competing in the new environment.
“Having success in 7A has been very exciting for our team this year,” Button said. “Moving up a classification has given us tougher opponents, and we have risen to the challenge every time. Beating Smiths Station and securing our spot in the 7A playoffs is a great accomplishment for our team, especially since we are one of the few team sports at Opelika that has earned a spot in playoffs this year.”
The season is a long, continuous grind, and figuring out how to keep the roster fresh and ready to compete is something that every coach at every level has to think through. Button admitted she is no exception to this.
“My strategy for keeping players fresh and healthy throughout the season consists of regular ice baths and rest days when needed,” Button said. “To allow these players to operate at their highest potential, they need proper rest and recovery mixed in with their training. I try and allow those players who are logging a lot of minutes on the field to stay properly hydrated and I encourage them to eat healthy meals to keep their strength up.”
The Bulldogs are excited for the challenge and ready to make a splash in the 7A playoffs for the first time in school history, Button said.
“We are excited to take on Dothan in the first round of playoffs,” Button said. “With a few key players recently coming back from injuries, we’re confident we can be competitive and give them a challenging match.”
Opelika’s first playoff game against Dothan will be on the road at Rip Hewes Stadium on Monday, May 1 at 5:30 p.m.