BY D MARK MITCHELL
OPINION
The countdown to another exciting year of Opelika High School athletics is officially underway as Bulldog teams make their final adjustments before the start of the 2026 fall sports season.
One of the newest and fastest-growing sports at Opelika High School, girls flag football, will kick off its season on Aug. 26 when the Lady Bulldogs host Park Crossing at Bulldog Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.
The Lady Bulldogs have spent months preparing through offseason workouts, conditioning programs and summer practices in anticipation of the upcoming season. Fans will have several opportunities to watch the team compete this fall.
The remainder of Opelika’s flag football schedule includes:
- Aug. 26 vs. Park Crossing, 5 p.m.
- Aug. 28 vs. Loachapoka, 5 p.m.
- Sept. 2 vs. Central, 5 p.m.
- Sept. 9 vs. JAG, 5 p.m.
- Sept. 12 Alabama Flag Football Tournament
- Sept. 17 vs. Carver, 5:30 p.m.
- Sept. 24 vs. Russell County, 6:30 p.m.
- Oct. 1 vs. Prattville, 6 p.m.
- Oct. 8 vs. Smiths Station, 6 p.m.
- Oct. 15 vs. Percy Julian, 5 p.m.
Tickets for Lady Bulldog flag football games can be purchased through GoFan or fans can pay cash at the gate.
Bulldogs Continue Preparing for Hoover
Meanwhile, the Opelika Bulldogs football team will enjoy an extra week of preparation before opening the season on Thursday, Aug. 27, against the Hoover Buccaneers.
With an open date during the first week of the season, Opelika’s 2026 schedule consists of nine games, including five home contests and four road trips.
One of the biggest storylines entering the season remains the quarterback competition. During a recent appearance on the “On the Mark” podcast, Opelika head coach Jonathan Chandler discussed the unique situation at the position.
“We are really blessed. I have four quarterbacks who have started a varsity game,” Chandler said. “I’ve never heard of that.”
According to Chandler, Whit Cooper has demonstrated strong leadership qualities throughout the offseason. Cooper is joined in the quarterback competition by Sankey, Fuller Young and transfer quarterback Austen Christiaan, who arrives from Community School of Naples in Florida.
All four quarterbacks have gained valuable experience and continue to compete for the starting role. Chandler has not yet announced a starter, and the competition remains one of the most closely watched battles heading into preseason practices.
The depth at the position could allow multiple quarterbacks to see playing time this season as the Bulldogs pursue another successful campaign.
Meet the Bulldogs set for Aug. 14
Fans will get their first official look at Opelika’s fall athletic teams during the annual “Meet the Bulldogs” event on Friday, Aug. 14, at Bulldog Stadium.
The event will run from 4:30 until 8:30 p.m. and will feature introductions of Opelika’s fall student athletes, along with team posters and family-friendly activities.
The schedule begins with football scrimmage action:
- 4:30 to 4:50 p.m. — seventh grade vs. eighth grade
- 4:50 to 5:15 p.m. — eighth grade vs. ninth grade
Additional team introductions and activities will follow throughout the evening.
Admission is free, and concessions will be available. The event provides a great opportunity for Bulldog fans to meet the athletes who will represent Opelika High School during the upcoming fall sports season.
You can listen to coverage of Opelika football on iHeartRadio’s WKKR 97.7 Kicker FM WITH Van Riggs and his staff.
Mitchell is sports director for iHeart Media, Alabama Dixie Boys State Director and vice president of the A-O Sports Council.
