BY D MARK MITCHELL
OPINION —
Opelika Middle School, ninth grade, junior varsity and varsity football teams took the field last week in preseason scrimmages to sharpen their skills ahead of the fall season.
Last Friday night, Opelika High School’s varsity squad hosted Wetumpka in a spring scrimmage game, and the Bulldogs won decisively, 35-6.
Coach Bryan Moore, appearing earlier this week on the “On the Mark” radio show on WZMG FOX Sports The Game 910-1310, reflected on the performance.
“I was pleased with our team Friday night at Bulldog Stadium,” Moore said. “We scored on five of the seven drives.”
The scrimmage was structured with input from both teams, including the use of a running clock at certain points. Everything was live — offense, defense and special teams. Opelika called two timeouts due to personnel issues but showed efficiency in the kicking game. Both JV and varsity kickers were a perfect 10-for-10 on PATs.
“Every player participated in the game, which gave us valuable film to evaluate while playing in a game setting,” Moore said. “Our football team is poised to have a good season, but they must keep improving and become one unit. The team has two more days to work out before taking a break for finals and rest. Summer workouts will be crucial for building strength and speed and preparing for the fall. Another important factor — our coaching staff — has now been in place for a full year, and everyone is returning. That’s huge for me as the head coach.”
Opelika football fans are encouraged to join the OHS Quarterback Club, to sponsor team activities and/or volunteer to support the program. Those interested can contact Coach Moore at (334) 745-9715 or follow OHS football on social media.
Graduation
The Class of 2025 will receive diplomas inside Bulldog Stadium this Friday at 7 p.m. Congratulations to all graduates on reaching this milestone!
Diamond Youth Baseball All-Stars
There’s exciting news from the Opelika Diamond Youth Baseball League as they unveil their 2025 All-Star rosters for the 9U and 10U divisions.
The following 9U Opelika Diamond Youth Minor League All-Stars, coached by T.J. White, will compete in the State Tournament on June 12 in Montgomery:
Baylor Earnest
Dylan Crane
Grayson Stevens
John Cates
Kaden Burton
Konner Key
Luke Meadows
Moss Murray
Tiger Click
Tripp White
Quinten Burks
Walker St. Clair
Following are the 10U Opelika Diamond Youth Minor League Traditional All-Stars, coached by Danny Earle:
Austin Smith
Baylor Anglin
Caden Skinner
Chip Nicholson
Deshawn David
Hudson Hughes
Huey Mann
John Michael Manasco
Matthew McGraw
Sam Collier
Walker Wright
Wesley Earle
Best of luck to both teams as they prepare for the state tournament!
AHSAA State Champions
Several local teams achieved championship success this spring in the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA), including:
Glenwood captured the 3A State Baseball Championship
Auburn secured the 7A State Girls Golf Championship
Lee-Scott Academy claimed the 3A State Boys Golf Championship
A big congratulations to all teams and athletes for their hard work and dedication!
D. Mark Mitchell is sports director for iHeart Media, Alabama Dixie Boys State Director and vice president of the A-O Sports Council.
