BY D MARK MITCHELL
OPINION — In a commanding performance under the Friday night lights, the Central Red Devils overwhelmed the Opelika Bulldogs 42-6 in a key Class 7A, Region 2 matchup on Wayne Trawick Field at Garrett-Harrison Stadium.
Central (8-1) wasted no time asserting control, scoring in every quarter and showcasing a balanced attack on both sides of the ball. The Red Devils jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the first quarter and never looked back, adding 14 points in the second, seven in the third and closing with another 14 in the fourth. Opelika (6-3) managed its lone score in the second quarter but struggled to gain momentum against Central’s relentless defense.
The Red Devils’ offense was firing on all cylinders, with explosive plays and efficient drives that kept the Bulldogs on their heels. Meanwhile, Central’s defense stopped Opelika’s attempts to rally, forcing multiple punts and limiting big plays.
With the win, Central solidified its position atop the region standings. Opelika, meanwhile, will aim to bounce back Friday when it faces Carver on Senior Night at Bulldog Stadium. The Bulldogs can clinch a playoff berth with a win; if they lose, they will need help from other teams to qualify.
Opelika will host the Carver Wolverines in a pivotal Region 2 clash at 7 p.m. Friday at Bulldog Stadium.
Both teams are looking to rebound after tough losses last week. Carver fell to Auburn 35-7 in a crucial region game, while Opelika lost to Central. With playoff implications looming, this matchup is vital for both programs.
Historically, Opelika leads the series 17-4, though Carver edged the Bulldogs 44-35 in a high-scoring affair last year at Cramton Bowl.
This season, Carver has defeated Percy Julian 39-6, JAG 34-6, Smiths Station 47-0, Dothan 50-28 and Enterprise 49-14. The Wolverines’ losses came to Thompson (37-6), Central (58-39) and Auburn (41-7).
Opelika needs a win to lock up a playoff spot, and playing at Bulldog Stadium should provide a big spark. The playoff scenario is simple for OHS — win and you’re in. If the Bulldogs lose, they’ll need help from Auburn and Enterprise to reach the AHSAA 7A playoffs.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Friday at Bulldog Stadium. Fans can listen on WKKR 97.7 Kicker FM, online at kickerfm.com or on the free iHeartRadio app. The broadcast begins at 6 p.m. with the OES Tailgate Show, followed by the Coach Bryan Moore Show at 6:30 p.m. with Van Riggs and his crew.
OPELIKA CROSS COUNTRY
The Opelika Cross Country team competed in the Montgomery Academy Invitational last Saturday in Montgomery.
Girls 5,000-meter run
- Caroline Couey, 19:16.33 (2nd)
- Holiday Rohrbaugh, 23:15.23 (41st)
- Lillian Massey, 23:39.09 (45th)
- Katherine Fernandez, 24:09.57 (53rd)
- Sophia Tucker, 26:00.25 (94th)
- Libby Cottrell, 28:36.60 (142nd)
Boys 5,000-meter run:
- Brantley Turnham, 16:40.06 (3rd)
- Knox Newland, 16:40.62 (4th)
- Nicholas Brock, 17:42.69 (23rd)
- Drew Schoonhoven, 18:32.56 (39th)
- Trevor Thompson, 19:30.75 (72nd)
- Sutton Soltau, 19:47.75 (83rd)
- Jaiden Keyes, 19:48.30 (84th)
- Tripp Campbell, 20:23.76 (111th)
- Rashad Ware, 20:29.22 (114th)
- John Greer, 21:00.79 (128th)
TIDBITS — AREA ROUNDUP
Auburn wrapped up second place in the region — and a home playoff game — with a 41-7 win over Carver, giving head coach Keith Etheredge his 198th career victory. Auburn travels to Dothan on Friday.
Beauregard (2-6) lost to Central Clay 21-4 and will host Valley on Friday. Beulah, which was open last week, will host Randolph County.
Chambers Academy (7-2) defeated Morgan 46-6 and will travel to Bessemer on Friday. LaFayette (2-6) lost to Central Coosa 26-13 and will travel to Horseshoe Bend.
Lanett (7-2) clinched the region title with a 61-6 win over Horseshoe Bend and will play at Ranburne on Friday.
Lee-Scott (6-2) finished as region runner-up after losing to Glenwood 20-7 last week. The Warriors will travel to Sylacauga to play B.B. Comer on Friday.
Loachapoka (6-3) clinched the third seed in the region with a 41-13 win over Ranburne on statewide TV last Thursday. Loachapoka will play Pike Liberal Arts in Troy on Friday.
Notasulga (4-2) lost to Billingsley 25-19 and will play at Autauga Academy on Friday.
Russell County (7-1) clinched the No. 2 seed despite a 49-6 loss to Pike Road. The Warriors will travel to Rehobeth on Friday.
Springwood (3-6) fell to Southern Prep 32-22 last Friday and will close its regular season at Snook Christian.
Valley clinched the No. 2 seed and a home playoff game after a 46-14 win over Holtville. The Rams will travel to Beauregard on Friday.
D. Mark Mitchell is sports director for iHeart Media, Alabama Dixie Boys State Director and vice president of the A-O Sports Council.
