D. Mark Mitchell
Columnist
D. Mark Mitchell is a writer for The Observer
D. Mark Mitchell's Latest
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...
OPINION — The 2026 high school baseball season came to a tough close for the Opelika Bulldogs, who finished the year at 18–21 after a late stumble that underscored just how unforgiving area play can be. Opelika dropped nine of its final 11...
BY D MARK MITCHELL OPINION — Area play proved unforgiving for the Opelika Bulldogs baseball team, as last week’s three-game sweep by rival Auburn officially ended Opelika’s hopes of reaching the postseason. The Bulldogs area schedule at 1-5 and now...
OPINION — As mid-April arrives, spring sports in Opelika are reaching the stretch run, and the postseason picture is beginning to take shape. Some teams already know where they stand, while others are still battling for positions as area...
BY D MARK MITCHELL OPINION — Opelika’s boys and girls track teams participated in the Wayne Murphy Invitational hosted by Auburn High School, and the results continue to point toward a promising postseason for Bulldog track and field.Facing a deep...
BY D MARK MITCHELL OPINION — The Opelika High School baseball team appears to be peaking at exactly the right time.The Bulldogs rolled through last week with four consecutive victories, improving their overall record to 17-10 and building momentum...
OPINION — Registration is now open for Opelika DBB Baseball, a recreational league for players ages 13–15. Registration is available at the Opelika Sportsplex and online through Opelika Parks and Recreation and will remain open through April 15.All...
OPINION — The Opelika softball team (13-8) dropped a pair of close contests last week against quality opponents in Benjamin Russell and Prattville, proving once again that small details often decide big games.In Alexander City, the Lady Bulldogs...
The Opelika High School Lady Bulldog softball team (13–6) endured a demanding seven-game stretch last week, finishing with three wins and four losses. Opelika claimed victories over Eufaula(6–5), Montgomery Catholic (8–6) and Beauregard (6–3),...
OPINION — The Opelika High School softball team showed toughness and depth last week, playing eight games in five days and emerging with a 9–2 overall record. The week opened on the road, where Wetumpka handed Opelika an 8–3 loss on...
OPINION —The Opelika Bulldogs saw their postseason run come to an end with a 48–33 loss to top-ranked Dothan in the Class 7A regional semifinals at the Dunn-Oliver Acadome in Montgomery, last Friday.Although Opelika opened strong and even held an...