OPINION —
Sometimes a football team needs more than a win: it needs confidence, momentum and a reminder of what it can become.
That appeared to be the case on Sept. 18, when Opelika High School welcomed J.A.G. High School to Bulldog Stadium and rolled to a convincing 38-8 victory, improving to 2-2 overall and 2-1 in the region.
The Bulldogs have faced challenges, adversity and tough competition early in the year, but last Friday’s performance was good enough for a blowout win. Opelika was physical at the line of scrimmage, disciplined on defense and efficient offensively.
Most importantly, Opelika controlled the game from start to finish. The 38 points reflected an offense that continues to develop, while the defense limited the Jaguars to a single touchdown on the night.
The Bulldogs rushed for 113 yards on 23 carries. Austian Cristiaan completed 11 of 14 passes for 122 yards and four TDs.
D.J. Hodge led all receivers with 27 yards on one catch, and Kydaelan Swanson rushed seven times for 42 yards to finish as the Bulldogs’ top rusher.
Defensively, Darius Coates led Opelika with six total tackles as the Bulldogs racked up six tackles for loss as a team.
Opelika head coach Jonathan Chandler was also able to play several players who gained valuable experience as the season progressed.
Winning football games in September is about preparation and improvement. The best teams use early-season contests to establish habits and build confidence before region play intensifies, and the Bulldogs appear to be improving week to week.
A win like this also provides an opportunity for younger players to grow. Confidence can be fragile in high school athletics. One successful Friday night can change how players practice on Monday, how they prepare on Tuesday and how they approach the next challenge.
Fans often look at the final score, while coaches must look at details.
Are assignments executed? Did players compete for four quarters? Did the team play with energy and discipline?
The answer appeared to be yes, but make no mistake, there is still plenty of football left to play.
The Bulldogs know bigger tests await. Rivalries, region games and postseason aspirations remain on the horizon. One victory does not define a season.
Opelika is off this week, then will travel to Duck Samford Stadium for a contest against rival Auburn High School on Friday, Oct. 2, at 7 p.m.
Opelika celebrates homecoming
Before, during and after the Bulldogs took to the field, Opelika celebrated its annual homecoming. Following a week of pomp and pageantry, the school named its homecoming court and named its homecoming queen.
The court members included seniors Ja’Zion Doolittle, Allanah Jackson and Eboni Terry; juniors Londyn Gardner and Tiana Key; sophomores Bri Mobley and Brielle Dutcher; and freshmen Brooklyn Akins and Maya Jeter.
During the halftime ceremony, Jackson was named the queen. Congratulations to the entire homecoming court for classily representing yourselves, your families, your school and the city of Opelika!
Tickets for Opelika-Auburn football game
Fans wanting to purchase tickets for the Oct. 2 game between Opelika and Auburn at Duck Samford Stadium can go to gofan.co on Sunday, Sept. 27, or Monday, Sept. 28. Fans must select which side they prefer to sit on. The game should be a sellout, so it is important to monitor gofan.co.
I will preview the Opelika-Auburn game in next week’s edition of The Observer.
Area games
As we approach the midway point in the season, many area teams are off this week as they look to get healthy and work on themselves.
Teams that are off this week include Opelika, Auburn, Central, Glenwood, Reeltown, Notasulga and Chambers Academy and Southern Christian.
Here are games that will be played on Thursday, Sept. 24, and Friday, Sept. 25:
Trinity Christian vs. ASD (Sept. 24)
Lee-Scott vs. Trinity Presbyterian
Beauregard at Handley
Loachapoka at Georgiana
Smiths Station vs. Wetumpka
Lanett vs. LaFayette
Valley at Russell County
Southern Prep at Lowndes Academy
Springwood vs. Macon-East
Benjamin Russell vs. Vigor
Dadeville at Winterboro
Tallassee vs. Booker T. Washington
