OPINION —
The Opelika High School athletic department settled into a rare quiet last week as the school year officially ended. The first week of summer is traditionally a brief pause for coaches and players to recharge before the grind of offseason preparation begins.
Opelika head football coach Jonathan Chandler joined the On the Mark radio program on Monday, May 18, offering an inside look at what lies ahead for the Bulldogs this summer. Fresh off a family beach trip, Chandler was refreshed but focused, shifting the conversation to the structure and expectations of the team’s summer schedule.
To balance hard work with flexibility, Opelika will implement a different weekly routine. Monday practices will be held at 5 p.m., giving players a longer weekend while also allowing those attending camps to participate without conflict. The rest of the week carries an early start, with workouts scheduled for 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Fridays will be off days, providing players with an opportunity to recover and prepare for the next week.
One of the most closely watched storylines heading into the summer is the competition for quarterback. Chandler confirmed that three players are currently in the mix: returning starter Whit Cooper, backup Fuller Young and newcomer CJ Sankey, a transfer from Montgomery Catholic.
According to Chandler, the battle is wide open.
“All three have a chance to earn the starting job,” he noted, emphasizing that performance, consistency and leadership will ultimately determine who takes the reins when the season arrives.
The competition doesn’t stop under center. Opelika must also rebuild its wide receiver corps after losing its top three targets to graduation. That leaves the position group completely open, creating opportunities for younger players to step up and make an impact.
Summer competition will play a role in shaping the roster. The Bulldogs are scheduled to participate in several 7-on-7 tournaments, including the prestigious “Sweet 16” event at Troy University, which features some of the top teams from the previous season. Opelika will also compete in a 7-on-7 tournament at Auburn University next Thursday, providing another valuable measuring stick against strong competition.
In addition to tournaments, the Bulldogs will hold organized practice sessions in helmets throughout July. Matchups against Pike Road and teams in the Millbrook area are expected to provide a competitive environment as Opelika sharpens its skills heading into preseason camp.
Beyond X’s and O’s, Chandler also stressed the importance of off-field discipline, particularly nutrition and strength development. He highlighted the need for players to maintain proper eating habits, especially starting the day with a solid breakfast and fueling their bodies with the right nutrients.
He pointed to two standout examples in Tre Stone, who is headed to Appalachian State, and Elijah Odom, a Troy signee. Both players, Chandler said, have shown how dedication in the weight room and disciplined nutrition can lead to success at the next level.
“They’ve done it the right way,” he said, referencing their commitment to adding weight properly while continuing to build strength and endurance.
Back To The Doghouse
The Opelika community will soon have a chance to connect with the program through one of its most popular annual traditions. The “Back to the Doghouse” youth football camp at Bulldog Stadium, sponsored by the Opelika Rotary Club, is set for Saturday, June 13.
The camp is open to children ages 12 and under and offers a fun, instructional environment for young athletes to learn the game. Registration is available at the Opelika Sportsplex or at Bulldog Stadium beginning 30 minutes before the camp starts.
The event is led by former Opelika standouts, including SaJason Finley and Will Herring, adding a special connection between the program’s past and its future.
Ladies Football Clinic
To expand the game’s reach, Coach Chandler will also host a Women’s Football Clinic on July 18 at Opelika’s Indoor Practice Facility. The one-day clinic is designed to help women of all ages better understand the fundamentals of football in an engaging and welcoming setting. There is a small registration fee of $25.
Those interested in attending can contact Coach Chandler by calling OHS at (334) 745-9715 for more information.
D. Mark Mitchell is sports director for iHeart Media, Alabama Dixie Boys State Director and vice president of the A-O Sports Council.
