D. Mark Mitchell
Columnist
D. Mark Mitchell is a writer for The Observer
D. Mark Mitchell's Latest
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...
OPINION — In the opening night of the 7A, Region 4 tournament last Tuesday in Phenix City, Opelika beat No. 2-seed Auburn High in a dramatic 74–71 overtime win. The victory sends Opelika to the area championship against top-seeded...
BY D. MARK MITCHELL OPINION — Opelika High School Boys BasketballThe Opelika Bulldogs boys basketball program has delivered an impressive and energetic winter season, marked by key victories, strong individual performances and rising momentum as...
OPINION — The Opelika boy’s basketball team (20–6, Area 3–3) put together its best week of hoops since the John Wadsworth era in 2015, knocking off both Central and Auburn in front of electric, sold-out crowds at the OHS Sports Arena. The...
BY D. MARK MITCHELL OPINION — The Opelika High School basketball teams faced tough road competition last week against Handley and Smiths Station. Girls BasketballThe Lady Bulldogs dropped both contests, falling 70–64 to Handley and 46–44 to Smiths...
OPINION — The Opelika Bulldogs boys’ and girls’ basketball programs faced a challenging stretch of competition this week, suffering key losses against regional rivals Central-Phenix City and Auburn. BOYS BASKETBALL Bulldogs Fall Hard to...
OPINION —Opelika High School’s girls and boys basketball teams turned in a strong week of action, collecting area wins and setting up a rivalry matchup with Auburn. OHS basketballOpelika High Girls basketball (8-13, A 1-0) defeated Smiths Station...
OPINION — As area play approaches, Opelika’s basketball programs are finding momentum at the right time, with the Lady Bulldogs surging and the boys continuing a dominant run. OHS Bulldogs GirlsThe Opelika girls (7-13) are playing their best...
BY D. MARK MITCHELL OPINION —Bryan Moore shocked Opelika football fans last week when he announced his resignation as head coach of the Bulldogs after just two seasons. This move was unexpected, especially after Moore led the team to a thrilling...