OPINION —
Bulldog Football
The OHS football team continues its summer regimen, practicing four days a week, including late starts on Mondays. Under head coach Jonathan Chandler, the Bulldogs are taking a proactive approach to building chemistry, especially on the offensive side of the football.
Chandler has taken his quarterback and wide receiver groups to several 7-on-7 camps, including stops at Troy University and Auburn University. These camps are designed to help skill players get on the same page and develop timing before fall camp begins.
“The idea is simple,” Chandler said. “We want our guys comfortable with each other before we get into the regular season.”
Off the field, the emphasis has been just as strong. Players are spending consistent time in the weight room and are provided two meals a day during practice days. Chandler has also placed a major focus on proper nutrition, stressing the importance of fueling the body the right way for peak performance.
More details on Opelika’s experience at the Auburn University 7-on-7 camp will be featured in next week’s column.
AHSAA Makes Strong Statement
In recent weeks, the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) has made headlines with decisive action against rules violations at the high school level.
Two Class 6A programs, Pell City and Mary G. Montgomery, were hit with major penalties following investigations into violations, including issues tied to ineligible student-athletes and transfers. The rulings surprised many within the high school coaching community, particularly those who have long pushed for stricter enforcement regarding recruiting practices.
AHSAA Executive Director Heath Harmon announced that both schools will be placed on restricted probation and fined. Additionally, while both teams will be allowed to play their regular-season schedules, neither program is eligible for postseason play, and their region games will not count toward standings.
Pell City has already announced plans to appeal the decision to the AHSAA Central Board of Control.
Both schools, however, have a pathway toward potential relief. If corrective actions are taken — particularly regarding compliance with transfer and eligibility guidelines, there is a possibility that some penalties could be reduced.
At Mary G. Montgomery, significant changes have already been made. Head football coach Zach Gholston has been placed on restricted probation and is no longer leading the program. Assistant coach Alex Page has since been promoted to head coach. The swift action could play a role in how the AHSAA evaluates the program moving forward.
From this perspective, the accountability measures put in place at Mary G. Montgomery may increase the chances of postseason eligibility being restored — if the team earns it on the field.
Meanwhile, Pell City has announced that head coach Jake Ganus will remain on staff as a teacher, avoiding dismissal. However, beyond that announcement, the school has yet to outline any major structural changes within its football program.
As is often the case in these situations, nothing is final until all appeals and reviews are complete.
Time will ultimately determine whether penalties remain or are adjusted. Stay tuned.
OHS Girls Basketball Builds Momentum
On the hardwood, Opelika’s girl’s varsity basketball team has also been hard at work this summer under head coach Blake Smalley.
The team’s summer schedule ran from June 1 through June 19, with the Bulldogs competing in 18 games across Alabama and in nearby Columbus. The stretch will conclude with a trip to Birmingham for the AHSAA Live Period at the Finley Center. This is an opportunity for players to showcase their skills in front of college scouts.
This year’s varsity roster includes 13 players, with nine returning from last season. Among those returners are the team’s top two leading scorers, as well as the leading rebounder and assist leader, giving Opelika a strong foundation heading into the new season.
Smalley has seen steady progress throughout the summer.
“We have gotten better every week as the summer has gone on,” Smalley said. “I am very excited about what the future holds for this team and for future teams.”
With experience, depth and continued development, the Bulldogs appear poised to take another step forward.
Coverage of the OHS boys varsity basketball team will be coming in the weeks ahead.
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Mitchell is sports director for iHeart Media, Alabama Dixie Boys State Director and vice president of the A-O Sports Council.
