Auburn Tigers and Opelika Bulldogs Battle in Historic 100th Meeting
Century-Old Rivalry Takes Center Stage Thursday Night on AHSAA TV Network
MONTGOMERY – Auburn High School and Opelika will write another chapter in their storied football rivalry Thursday night as the two East Alabama programs meet for their 100th time in series history.
The matchup serves as the AHSAA TV Network/WOTM/Alabama Public Television Game of the Week and marks the Class 7A, Region 2 opener for both schools.
Television Coverage and Broadcast Details
Alabama Public Television will air the contest with veteran broadcaster Mickey Shadrix calling play-by-play alongside former coach Rick Rhoades as color analyst. Chris Blackshear, who covers Troy University games on Saturdays, will provide sideline reporting.
The AHSAA TV Network pre-game show runs live from 5-6 p.m. Thursday on Alabama Public Television, with Blackshear and Kevin Scarbinsky hosting. WOTM.tv and the NFHS Network will broadcast a delayed version from 6-7 p.m.
Nearly Even Historic Series
Opelika holds a slim 49-47-3 advantage in the all-time series between these neighboring programs. Auburn has claimed the last five meetings, though competition remains fierce.
Recent results showcase the rivalry’s intensity:
- 2024: Auburn 28, Opelika 21
- 2023: Auburn 31, Opelika 30
- 2022: Auburn 16, Opelika 14
- 2021: Auburn 16, Opelika 14
- 2020: Auburn 51, Opelika 29
Since 2010, 12 of 15 games have been decided by single digits, demonstrating the competitive balance between these programs.
Similar Program Histories
Both schools boast comparable all-time records. Auburn (first season 1915) stands at 627-395-35 overall for a 60.9% winning percentage. Opelika (founded 1917) holds a 618-418-18 record with a 59.5% winning rate.
Team Standings and Recent Performance
Opelika Bulldogs (2-0) under Coach Bryan Moore opened with a 25-20 victory over Benjamin Russell before escaping with a 36-35 overtime win against Callaway, Georgia.
Auburn Tigers (1-1) coached by Keith Etheredge defeated Booker, Florida 24-6 in their opener but suffered a 42-14 setback to Vestavia Hills last week. The 28-point loss matched the largest defeat during Etheredge’s five-year tenure, in which he’s compiled a 42-10 record.
Auburn reached the Class 7A state semifinals in 2021 and 2023, the championship game in 2022, and the quarterfinals in 2023 and 2024.
Key Players to Watch
Auburn Tigers:
- Junior QB Cason Myers has thrown for over 200 yards this season
- Senior WR Antonio Welch leads receivers with 10 catches for 139 yards and one touchdown
- Senior LBs Gregory Williams (19 tackles) and Aiden Parker (17 tackles, two sacks) anchor the defense
- DL Cameron Creighton contributes 10 tackles and two fumble recoveries
- P Joseph Daniel earned All-State honors last season
Opelika Bulldogs:
- Junior QB Colby Key has completed 27 of 43 passes for 334 yards and four touchdowns with three interceptions
- RBs Chris Johnson (136 yards) and Jordan Waits (116 yards) provide ground attack balance
- Senior receivers Jaylin Washington (nine catches, one TD) and Audray Vann (six catches, one TD) lead aerial targets
- DL Tremayne Thomas (6-1, 247 pounds) has recorded 12 tackles and three sacks
- Defensive backs Xavier Thomas (10 tackles, one interception) and Antonius Peters (10 tackles) strengthen secondary
- P Reese Beasley averages 42 yards per punt with a season-long of 56 yards
Additional Thursday Night Action
The NFHS Network will stream over 100 AHSAA games this week, with eight contests scheduled for Thursday night, including defending Class 6A state champion Parker hosting Gardendale.
The Auburn-Opelika game kicks off Thursday night and will be available on Alabama Public Television, WOTM.tv, and the NFHS Network streaming platform.
