D. Mark Mitchell

D. Mark Mitchell

Columnist

D. Mark Mitchell is a writer for The Observer

D. Mark Mitchell's Latest

On the Mark | Central dominates; Opelika regroups

On the Mark | Central dominates; Opelika regroups

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...

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On the Mark | Tough night for Bulldogs in Enterprise

On the Mark | Tough night for Bulldogs in Enterpri …

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...

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On the Mark | Tough night for Bulldogs in Enterprise

On the Mark | 100th career win for Opelika coach

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...

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On the Mark | Tough night for Bulldogs in Enterprise

Opelika rolls past Smiths Station 42-6

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...

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On the Mark | Tough night for Bulldogs in Enterprise

On the Mark | Week 3 High School football recap

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,...

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On the Mark | Tough night for Bulldogs in Enterprise

On the Mark | Week 2 - High School Football Recap

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,...

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On the Mark | Tough night for Bulldogs in Enterprise

On the Mark | Bulldogs enter 2025 season with str …

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....

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On the Mark | Tough night for Bulldogs in Enterprise

On the Mark | After weeks of prep, Bulldogs are re …

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...

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On the Mark | Tough night for Bulldogs in Enterprise

On the Mark | Moore discusses Bulldogs’ preparat …

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...

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On the Mark | Tough night for Bulldogs in Enterprise

On the Mark | Local man is finalist for national S …

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...

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On the Mark | Tough night for Bulldogs in Enterprise

On the Mark | DBB World Series and Football Media …

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...

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On the Mark | Tough night for Bulldogs in Enterprise

On the Mark | July 24, 2025

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...

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On the Mark | Tough night for Bulldogs in Enterprise

On the Mark | Opelika sports scene heats up with M …

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...

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On the Mark | Tough night for Bulldogs in Enterprise

On the Mark | Opelika Youth All-Stars win State Ch …

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...

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On the Mark | Opelika Youth All-Stars win State Championship

On the Mark | Opelika Youth All-Stars win State Ch …

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,...

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On the Mark | Tough night for Bulldogs in Enterprise

On the Mark | Bulldog football team training throu …

BY D MARK MITCHELL OPINION — Summer has arrived, and Opelika schools are officially on break, but rest assured Coach Bryan Moore and his Bulldog football team are anything but idle. While many students are enjoying time off, Opelika’s players are...

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On the Mark | Tough night for Bulldogs in Enterprise

On the Mark | Opelika City Schools get new superin …

BY D. MARK MITCHELL OPINION — The Opelika City Schools Board of Education has officially named Dr. Kevin Davis as the new superintendent, marking a historic transition for OCS. Davis is the first superintendent hired from outside the Opelika City...

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On the Mark | Tough night for Bulldogs in Enterprise

On the Mark | Diamond Youth Baseball All-Stars nam …

BY D MARK MITCHELL OPINION — Opelika City Schools are officially out for the summer after Friday night’s graduation ceremony for the Class of 2025 inside Bulldog Stadium. A packed house gathered to watch the largest class of students (500 plus) in...

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