By D. Mark Mitchell
Sports Editor
Spring Football
Coach Brian Blackmon and his staff completed spring football practice by traveling to Eufaula to play the Tigers in a practice game.
The Bulldogs dominated Eufaula the entire game, scoring 47 points and allowing 7 points. The scrimmage was set up for starters to play three quarters and reserves the fourth quarter.
The coaches decided to play 90 players in the first half due to the 27-0 score at intermission.
The Bulldogs took the opening drive 84 yards in eight plays to take an early 6-0. The PAT was missed. The rout was on … we scored on our next five possessions while keeping the Tigers from crossing the 50 yard line.
The Bulldogs looked like a well oiled machine. The team played hard and fast. This was a different look than one year ago when Eufaula beat us 14-0 in the spring game.
Quarterback Mathew Christian (junior next year) was 15 of 18 for 224 yards and two touchdown passes. Running back Jarquavious Crawford rushed for 107 yards, JaKell Mitchell caught eight passes for 98 yards and a touchdown, Marquise Fulton caught six passes for 67 yards and Devarien Barnes ran for 77 yards as the number two back. The offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage. They gave Christian time to throw and opened up huge holes for the backs.
The defense took control on the first snap. Chase Baker sacked the Tigers quarterback on the defense’s first play. This set the tone. Our front line controlled the line; the Tigers could not run or throw the football. It was a long night for Eufaula.
Coach Brian Blackmon and the coaching staff were proud of their team. Blackmon, coaching his fourth spring practice, says this team is ahead of any of his other teams at this point.
The kicking did not get much work during the eight practices. This was the only area that was not as sharp as normal.
I know it’s only the spring but our team looked good. We are not ready for a long season but we are close to being ready.
I have just completed my 34th year as “The Voice of the Bulldogs.” This was the best we have looked in the spring during my tenure..
I know it’s hard to win every game and make it to the Super 6 Championship and I am not predicting the number of wins or how far we will advance next season. I am making a factual statement about our football team at this point in the year.
The guys will have a few weeks off and then start summer workouts. The spring game gives everyone confidence heading into the summer.
The season will start on Aug. 30 against Benjamin Russell at Bulldog Stadium. This will be the first game in the newly renovated Bulldog Stadium. The 2014 season should be fun; we have a chance of having a good team.
We need to keep supporting the Opelika program. Good things are ahead.
Dawg Walk
The OCS is selling personalized bricks that will be placed at the entrance of Bulldog Stadium. If you are interested and want to purchase one, go to www.opelikaschools.org You can see how your brick will look before you make your purchase.
The bricks are $100 apiece and make a great graduation gift, a way to remember a loved one or a way to show your support for the Opelika School System.