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D. Mark Mitchell Articles

Bulldogs bound for Birmingham

OPINION — In a rivalry showdown for the ages, Opelika edged Auburn High 34-31 Friday night to earn a spot in the Class 7A state championship game. The Bulldogs will face Thompson at 7 p.m. on Dec. 3 in the AHSAA Super 7 football championships at Protective Stadium in...
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On the Mark | Bulldogs roll into semifinals after dominant win over Baker

OPINION —The Opelika Bulldogs continued their playoff run in commanding fashion Friday night, defeating the Baker Hornets 35-9 in the second round of the AHSAA Class 7A playoffs in the friendly confines of Bulldog Stadium. The Bulldogs (9-3) showcased a balanced...
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On the Mark | Howard’s pick-six sparks Opelika’s playoff-clinching win

OPINION — In a dramatic first-round clash of the AHSAA Class 7A playoffs, the Opelika Bulldogs (8-3) pulled off a gutsy 27-21 road win over the Hewitt-Trussville Huskies (8-3) last Friday night in Trussville.Opelika advances into the second round and marks a defining...
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On the Mark | Opelika Bulldogs set for first-round playoff test

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 first round of the...
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On the Mark | Local wrestlers shine at state tournament

On the Mark | Feb. 13, 2025

Feb 11, 2025

OPINION —  Opelika High School Principal Kelli Fischer confirmed to me via telephone last week that OHS Athletic Director Jamie Williams will...

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On the Mark | Local wrestlers shine at state tournament

On the Mark | Feb. 6, 2025

Feb 4, 2025

OPINION — As the chilly season winds down, Opelika’s athletes are making their last strides, jumps, and throws before spring sports kick off. This...

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On the Mark | Local wrestlers shine at state tournament

On the Mark | Jan. 28, 2025

Jan 28, 2025

By D. Mark Mitchell OPINION — Opelika High School’s Athletic Department was quiet last week due to a winter storm that left our area with snow and...

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On the Mark | Local wrestlers shine at state tournament

On the Mark | Jan. 23, 2025

Jan 22, 2025

Inclement weather postpones Opelika sports OPINION — The forecast for Alabama called for sub-freezing temperatures and possible icy road conditions,...

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On the Mark | Local wrestlers shine at state tournament

On the Mark | Jan. 16, 2025

Jan 14, 2025

OHS basketball in middle of area regular season OPINION — Opelika High played two Area basketball games since my last column: Central-Phenix City...

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On the Mark | Local wrestlers shine at state tournament

On the Mark | Jan. 9, 2025

Jan 8, 2025

High school winter sports now in full swing - On the Mark Happy 2025! We are in the middle of high school winter sports. Basketball started Area...

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On the Mark | Jan. 2, 2025

On the Mark | Jan. 2, 2025

Dec 31, 2024

OHS basketball heads into area competition OPINION — The Opelika girls and boys basketball teams have completed pre-area schedules. Holiday...

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On the Mark | Jan. 2, 2025

On the Mark | Dec. 24, 2024

Dec 24, 2024

Wrapping up 2024 with basketball, wrestling OPINION — Local Schools are on Christmas and New Years break, but basketball teams, including Opelika’s...

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