D. Mark Mitchell
Columnist
D. Mark Mitchell is a writer for The Observer
D. Mark Mitchell's Latest
OPINION — Opelika celebrated Homecoming in style last Friday night, overwhelming JAG 59–20 at Bulldog Stadium in a game that showcased depth, discipline and a balanced offensive attack.Junior quarterback Fuller Young, who played the full game...
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,...
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,...
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....
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
BY D MARK MITCHELL OPINION — New OHS Athletic Director Craig Montel continues to make unprecedented moves inside Opelika athletics, such as holding the first Opelika Bulldog Golf Tournament.OHS supporters are invited to swing into action for a...
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...
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...
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...
BY D MARK MITCHELL OPINION — Opelika Middle School, ninth grade, junior varsity and varsity football teams took the field last week in preseason scrimmages to sharpen their skills ahead of the fall season.Last Friday night, Opelika High School’s...
BY D MARK MITCHELL OPINION — Opelika High School’s football team will play against Wetumpka in a spring game on Friday, May 16, at Bulldog Stadium. The Junior Varsity will play the Indians at 5 p.m., with the varsity following at 6:30 p.m. General...
CONTRIBUTED BY A-O TOURISM AUBURN — Memorial Day weekend is about to bring national attention — and big-time fun — as the Turf Wars Kickball Tournament takes place in Auburn on Saturday and Sunday, May 24 and 25. This high-energy competition will...
BY D MARK MITCHELL OPINION — Opelika High girls and boys Track and Field team participated in the AHSAA 7A State Track and Field Meet in Gulf Shores.The following athletics finished in the top 10 in their respective events. Congratulations to all...