BY D. MARK MITCHELL

OPINION —

Opelika (6-1, R 3-1) defeated Dothan 28-7 last Friday night at Ripp Hewes Stadium in Dothan. The Dogs held Wolves to 205 total yards and only 7 points, which is 25 fewer points than they average. DHS recovered a OHS fumble at their own 22-yard line, resulting in Dothan’s only points of the game with 5:06 left in the first quarter.
The Dogs scored back-to-back TD’s: Jamari Miller scored the first touchdown on a 64-yard reverse to open the second quarter, Colby Key threw a 44-yard pass to Calvin Hughley at the Wolves 3-yard line. Fullback Blake Johnson bulled his way to the end zone for the second OHS score. Reese Beasley added both PATs, giving OHS a 14-7 lead at halftime.
Opelika’s special teams contributed in a big way, blocking Dothan’s 36-yard field goal attempt in the second half. The Dogs scored their third TD on a one-yard run by Johnson, his second TD in the game. Tommy Jackson took the handoff and follwed center Jackson Lee for a two-yard TD run. Beasley made his fourth PAT in the game.
Statistically for Opelika, the offense piled up 324 yards: 126 passing, 200 rushing yards and four TDs. Quez Johnson rushed for 80-yards on six carries and scored a TD, Hughley and Johnson added 28 and 33 rushing yards respectively. Key finished 4 of 8 for 126-passing yards including 83 receiving yards by Calvin Hughley. As a team, OHS converted 7 of 9 third down conversions, one of two in the red zone, did not punt and committed only two penalties.
Coach Moore’s team host Enterprise (4-2, R 2-2) Friday at Bulldog Stadium on Senior night. The Dogs have won 15 of the 23 meetings despite losing two straight games, 22-14 in 2022 and 28-14 last season. Prior to the Wildcats win over the Dogs in 2022, they lost 11 straight to OHS since 2004.
Enterprise head coach Ben Blackmon holds a 21-9 record over the past two and half seasons, including 13-7 in the region and 2-2 in the AHSAA class 7A state playoffs.
EHS’s four wins were over: Andalusia (35-7), Pike Road (24-6), Dothan (28-21) and Carver of Montgomery (17-14), lost to Auburn 53-22 and Central 34-21. The Wildcats were blown out by Auburn (53–21) and lost to Central (34-21).
This is a huge region game for both teams. Opelika will earn their first trip to the AHSAA Class 7A state football playoffs with a win Friday night. Enterprise keeps its playoffs hopes alive with a win over the Dogs.
I’ve known Enterprise head football coach Ben Blackmon since he was in his early 20’s as an assistant coach at Opelika. I look for Blackmon to throw the “kitchen sink” at the Dogs, utilizing every ounce of talent from each of his players. Blackmon regulary moves his “best athletete” to quarterback, allowing him to make plays. Enterprise has several talented with D1 offers, including defensive player Eric Winters, a two sport athlete, playing basketball after football season. Look for Winters to be everywhere friday night, this is a big game!
Fans can buy tickets at Bulldog Stadium ticket office, beginning at 5:30p Friday. You can listen to Opelika/Enterprise on the radio on WKKR 97.7 Kicker FM, online at kickerfm.com and on the free iheartradio app. Van Riggs starts things off at 6p with the Bulldog Tailgate Show presented by Opelika Enviromental Services, 6:30 Bryan Moore show and kickoff at 7p.

D. Mark Mitchell is the sports director at iHeartMedia, host of “On the Mark” Fox Sports the Game 910-1319, co-chair of the Auburn-Opelika Sports Council, chairman of the Super 7 and Dixie Boys Baseball state director.