OPINION —
The countdown is officially on.
After months of offseason workouts, summer conditioning and preseason practices, Opelika
High School is now just days away from opening the 2026 football season against one of Alabama’s premier programs.
On Thursday, Aug. 27, the Bulldogs welcome Hoover High School to Bulldog Stadium in a matchup that already has football fans across the state talking.
Before turning its attention completely to the Buccaneers, Opelika gave its fans a first look at the 2026 squad during last week’s “Meet the Bulldogs” event at Bulldog Stadium.
The annual gathering introduced fall sports teams and players before the varsity football team took the field for a live scrimmage.
For Opelika head coach Jonathan Chandler, the evening was much more than simple practice.
“We wanted it to feel like a real game night,” Chandler explained.
Officials were on the field, the chain crew was in place and the team followed game-night procedures throughout the scrimmage.
The goal was simple: create an atmosphere that closely resembled what the Bulldogs will experience when the lights come on for real against Hoover.
The simulation appeared to accomplish exactly what Chandler hoped.
More importantly, it gave coaches a chance to evaluate players under game-like conditions and provided Bulldog fans with a glimpse of what could be an exciting season.
According to Chandler, the main thing that stood out was the team’s effort.
“Our effort was off the charts,” Chandler said following the scrimmage.
That kind of enthusiasm and intensity is exactly what Opelika hopes to carry into the regular season.
Of course, no preseason performance is perfect, and Chandler acknowledged there are still areas that need refining over the next two weeks.
The Bulldogs committed several mistakes during the scrimmage, but that’s what August football is all about.
Identifying those issues now gives coaches valuable teaching opportunities before the games begin to count.
Perhaps the most discussed topic entering the season has been the quarterback competition.
The battle has remained competitive throughout preseason camp, but Chandler indicated that Whit Cooper has emerged as the front-runner and currently sits atop the depth chart at quarterback.
Transfer quarterback Austan Cristiaan has secured the No. 2 spot, while Fuller Young and Jamal Sankey continue working and developing each day in practice.
The competition has helped push the entire quarterback room to improve, and Chandler praised all four signal-callers for their commitment and preparation.
The coach believes the Bulldogs are trending in the right direction and expects steady improvement throughout the season.
“I think we’ll continue getting better every day,” Chandler said.
If he’s right, Opelika could be a very dangerous football team by the time region play arrives.
Hoover Comes to Town
The Bulldogs won’t have much time to ease into the season.
Their opener features Hoover, one of Alabama’s most recognizable football programs and a perennial contender.
The game will serve as the AHSAA TV Game of the Week, with WOTM Television broadcasting the contest statewide.
Fans can also listen on WKKR 97.7 Kicker FM and through the iHeartRadio app.
Kickoff is at 7 p.m., with pregame coverage beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Hoover enters the season under third-year head coach Chip English.
The Buccaneers compete in one of the toughest classifications in Alabama football and share Class 6A Region 3 with Hewitt-Trussville, Prattville, Oak Mountain, Thompson, Vestavia Hills, Spain Park and Tuscaloosa County.
The Hoover colors are orange, black and white, and the program brings a rich tradition of success whenever it takes the field.
History has also not been kind to Opelika in this series.
The Buccaneers hold a 4-0 advantage over the Bulldogs.
The first meeting came on Nov. 11, 2012, when Hoover defeated Opelika 30-7 during the regular season.
The teams met again later that year in the Class 6A state championship game, where Hoover claimed a 31-0 victory.
Two years later, Hoover edged Opelika 32-29 in a memorable 2014 contest.
The Buccaneers have maintained their perfect record against the Bulldogs since then.
A victory would not only provide a tremendous start to the season but would also mark the Bulldogs’ first win against one of the state’s most storied programs.
Fans planning to attend the game can purchase tickets in advance at Bubba’s Medicine Shop or Victory Designs, online through GoFan or with cash at the Bulldog ticket office, which opens around 5:30 p.m. on game day.
One thing is certain: Bulldog Stadium should be packed.
Games Around the Area
Several other local teams will begin their seasons with intriguing matchups this week:
Central-Phenix City hosts Thompson on Thursday, Aug. 20
Auburn hosts Hewitt-Trussville
Lee-Scott hosts Glenwood
Beauregard hosts Reeltown
Smiths Station hosts Northside (GA)
Loachapoka hosts Lanett
Beulah hosts LaFayette
Russell County hosts Booker T. Washington
Southern Christian hosts Springwood
Benjamin Russell hosts Mae Jemison
Chambers Academy travels to Patrician Academy
Wadley hosts Horseshoe Bend
Notasulga travels to Central-Hayneville
Dadeville hosts St. James
As for Opelika, all eyes remain fixed on Aug. 27.
Mitchell is sports director for iHeart Media, Alabama Dixie Boys State Director and vice president of the A-O Sports Council.
