D. Mark Mitchell
Columnist
D. Mark Mitchell is a writer for The Observer
D. Mark Mitchell's Latest
OPINION — For three quarters at Bulldog Stadium on Sept. 11, Opelika High School showed the grit and resilience that have become a hallmark of the Bulldogs. But against a talented Central High School squad, mistakes proved too much to...
OPINION — Friday night carried extra significance for Opelika High School head coach Jonathan Chandler. Standing on the home sideline at Bulldog Stadium, Chandler watched his team respond to a difficult season-opening loss with a performance...
2026-08-27 Opelika 7 Hover 21 Coach Jonathan Chanler made a good show but not enough to hold off Hover OPINION —One of the most intriguing storylines surrounding Opelika football this season is the battle at quarterback, a competition that could...
OPINION — The wait is finally over. After months of preparation, the Opelika Bulldogs (0-0) will kick off the 2026 season Thursday night when they host Hoover (1-0) at Bulldog Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.The Hoover Buccaneers arrive in...
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...
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...
OPINION — The countdown to football season officially began last week as Opelika joined 27 other high school football programs during the annual iHeartRadio High School Media Days presented by The Orthopaedic Clinic. The two-day event was held...
OPINION — The countdown to football season is officially underway, and Opelika fans have plenty of reasons to be excited as the Bulldogs prepare for another run through one of the toughest schedules in Alabama.Following last week’s AHSAA All-Star...
BY D MARK MITCHELL OPINION — The Opelika Bulldogs took another step toward the upcoming football season last week, unveiling brand-new Nike uniforms during picture day and gaining valuable experience in a preseason scrimmage at Pike Road.First-year...
BY D. MARK MITCHELL OPINION — The Opelika High School football team officially kicked off another exciting week of preparation for the upcoming season Monday morning with its annual picture and media day at Bulldog Stadium.The Bulldogs partnered...
OPINION — Opelika High School varsity football is practicing for fall kickoff, stay up-to-date on fall athletics with iHeartRadio OHS FootballWith just four weeks remaining until fall practice begins in August, Opelika High School head football...
OPINION — Opelika High Athletics took the week off, allowing student-athletes to enjoy time with friends and family and enjoy the 4th of July holiday.The Bulldog football team has been working extremely hard during summer workouts and will need the...
OPINION —Summer may still be in full swing but make no mistake, football season is already taking shape in Opelika.Opelika High School head football coach Jonathan Chandler joined “On the Mark” radio show on FOX Sports the Game earlier this week,...
OPINION — Bulldog FootballThe OHS football team continues its summer regimen, practicing four days a week, including late starts on Mondays. Under head coach Jonathan Chandler, the Bulldogs are taking a proactive approach to building chemistry,...
OPINION — The Opelika High School football team officially kicked off summer workouts on Monday, June 1, signaling the beginning of another highly anticipated season for Bulldog football. Head coach Jonathan Chandler joined the “On the Mark” radio...
OPINION — The Opelika High School athletic department settled into a rare quiet last week as the school year officially ended. The first week of summer is traditionally a brief pause for coaches and players to recharge before the grind of offseason...
OPINION — Opelika Diamond Youth Baseball league (formerly Dixie youth) announced all-stars for all leagues. It is a huge honor to be on an all-star team, congrats to all that made it and to those playing.Pee Wee rookie all-stars will play in the...
OPINION — With the final whistle blowing under the lights at Bulldog Stadium Friday night, the curtain has officially fallen on the 2025–26 Opelika High School athletics calendar. The annual Red vs. Black Spring scrimmage served as the closing...
BY D MARK MITCHELL OPINION — Most of Opelika High’s spring sports calendar has ended, but one event remains — and it’s a big one for Bulldog fans. Friday night, May 15, at 5:30 p.m., Bulldog Stadium will host the annual spring football scrimmage,...
BY D. MARK MITCHELL OPINION — The Opelika High School girls and boys track and field teams wrapped up a memorable season last weekend by competing in the Class 7A AHSAA State and Field Championships held over three days in Gulf Shores.The OHS girls...