D. Mark Mitchell
Columnist
D. Mark Mitchell is a writer for The Observer
D. Mark Mitchell's Latest
BY D MARK MITCHELL OPINION — The postseason has arrived, and the Opelika Bulldogs are back in familiar territory — making their 33rd playoff appearance in program history. Opelika travels to Trussville on Friday to face Hewitt-Trussville in the...
BY D. MARK MITCHELL OPINION — Opelika’s postseason hopes were hanging by a thread Friday night at Bulldog Stadium — until senior defensive back Braiden Howard flipped the script.The Bulldogs were trailing 14-7 in the second half against...
OPINION — Opelika’s postseason hopes were hanging by a thread Friday night at Bulldog Stadium — until senior defensive back Braiden Howard flipped the script. The Bulldogs were trailing 14-7 in the second half against Carver-Montgomery, when Howard...
BY D MARK MITCHELL OPINION — In a commanding performance under the Friday night lights, the Central Red Devils overwhelmed the Opelika Bulldogs 42-6 in a key Class 7A, Region 2 matchup on Wayne Trawick Field at Garrett-Harrison Stadium.Central...
BY D. MARK MITCHELL OPINION — The Enterprise Wildcats snapped a four-game losing streak in emphatic fashion with a 42–20 victory over the Opelika Bulldogs on Friday. The win not only marked Enterprise’s first region triumph of the season, but also...
BY D MARK MITCHELL OPINION — In a game packed with momentum swings, clutch plays and playoff-caliber intensity, the Opelika Bulldogs dug deep and delivered a dramatic 24–22 win over Pike Road Friday night at Bulldog Stadium.The defining moment came...
OPINION — The Bulldogs (4-1, R 2-1) were firing on all cylinders Friday night as they cruised to a dominant 42-6 victory over Smiths Station, extending their win streak to two. Although SSHS used ball control offense, OHS was able to score 42...
OPINION — Opelika celebrated Homecoming in style last Friday night, overwhelming JAG 59–20 at Bulldog Stadium in a game that showcased depth, discipline and a balanced offensive attack.Junior quarterback Fuller Young, who played the full game...
BY D MARK MITCHELL OPINION —Last Thursday night, Auburn High School (2-1, R 1-0) edged out Opelika High (2-1, R 0-1) 17-10 in a thrilling centennial clash that marked the 100th meeting between the two storied rivals. The game, played in Opelika,...
BY D. MARK MITCHELL OPINION — In a game packed with momentum swings, missed opportunities and clutch performances, Opelika High School emerged victorious over Callaway in a 36–35 overtime thriller Thursday night at Callaway Stadium in LaGrange,...
OPINION — The Opelika high football team (1-0) opened the regular season with a 25-20 win in front of a large crowd at Bulldog Stadium. Opelika junior quarterback Colby Key rose to the occasion in the Bulldogs’ season-opening win last Friday night....
BY D MARK MITCHELL OPINION — Excitement is building in Opelika as the Bulldogs gear up for their season opener against the Benjamin Russell Wildcats this Friday night.Head Coach Bryan Moore joined my local radio show “On the Mark” on FOX Sports the...
BY D. MARK MITCHELL OPINION — With the season opener just around the corner, Opelika head football coach Bryan Moore joined On the Mark radio show earlier this week on FOX Sports the Game to share how the Bulldogs are preparing for their August 22...
BY D MARK MITCHELL OPINION — SILVERSNEAKERS AWARD FINALIST RAY HALLOpelika Parks and Recreation continues to uplift our senior community through SilverSneakers, a nationally recognized fitness program tailored for adults 65 and older. Included in...
BY D. MARK MITCHELL OPINION — This past week, Opelika was alive with excitement, energy and the unmistakable sounds of youth baseball at West Ridge Park. The DBB Baseball 13U World Series welcomed talented teams from across the country — but it was...
OPINION — The 2025 Junior DBB Baseball World Series 13U kicks off July 25–29 at West Ridge Park, welcoming 11 state champions plus hometown team Opelika. This double-elimination tournament, hosted by the city of Opelika Parks and Recreation and...
BY D MARK MITCHELL OPINION — The countdown is on for the 2025 FOX Sports 910-1310 “The Game” High School Media Days, proudly presented by The Orthopaedic Clinic. This two-day blitz of local high school football teams will take place July 29 and 30...
BY D. MARK MITCHELL OPINION —Opelika head football coach Bryan Moore called “On the Mark” radio show on Monday to give an update on his team. We started the interview discussing June then pointed the attention to July and fall camp. Following are...
OPINION —Opelika youth all-star baseball teams started playing last weekend with the Minors and Majors playing in their respective state tournaments.The Opelika 10U Minor All-Star team brought heart, hustle and heavy bats to the State Tournament,...
BY D MARK MITCHELL OPINION — New OHS Athletic Director Craig Montel continues to make unprecedented moves inside Opelika athletics, such as holding the first Opelika Bulldog Golf Tournament.OHS supporters are invited to swing into action for a...