Cason Myers Runs for 2 TDs as Auburn Edges Opelika 14-11 in Class 6A Rivalry Showdown
AUBURN, AL — Auburn quarterback and Arkansas commit Cason Myers scored on two touchdown runs, and the Tigers held off a late rally to beat rival Opelika 14-11 on Friday night, Sept. 25, at Duck Sanford Stadium.
The win gives Auburn seven victories in the last eight meetings in one of Lee County’s oldest rivalries. It also strengthens the Tigers’ position in the Class 6A, Region 2 standings.
Defenses Control the Early Going
Points were hard to come by for most of the night. Both defenses kept the game tight and turned the matchup into a field-position battle.
Myers struck first for Auburn with a rushing touchdown. Opelika answered with a field goal. Auburn carried a 7-3 lead into the fourth quarter, and neither offense could find much room to break the game open.
The Tigers’ defense limited Opelika’s scoring chances through three quarters. The Bulldogs’ defense matched that effort, keeping Myers and the Auburn offense from building a comfortable cushion.
Myers Delivers in the Fourth Quarter
Auburn finally found some breathing room midway through the fourth quarter. Myers capped a scoring drive with a 3-yard touchdown run, his second of the game, and the extra point pushed the lead to 14-3.
The score showed why Myers has drawn interest at the Southeastern Conference level. With the game still close, the senior signal-caller took the ball into the end zone himself and gave the Tigers an 11-point edge.
Opelika Rallies Late
Opelika refused to fold. Facing a two-score deficit with time running down, the Bulldogs turned to the passing game.
Quarterback Justin Patterson found Matthew Pritchett for a 37-yard touchdown strike, the biggest offensive play of the night for Opelika. The Bulldogs then converted the 2-point try to cut the deficit to 14-11.
The late surge put pressure on Auburn and gave Opelika a chance to tie or win. Patterson and Pritchett showed the Bulldogs can move the ball through the air when it matters most.
Auburn Holds On
Auburn’s defense closed the door the rest of the way. The Tigers protected the three-point lead and ran out the clock to secure the rivalry win in front of their home crowd.
For Auburn, the win reflected a team that could grind out a close, physical contest. For Opelika, the loss stung, but the fight in the final minutes showed a group that can compete with one of the region’s top teams.
What the Result Means
Auburn improved to 4-2 overall and 3-1 in Class 6A, Region 2. The Tigers remain in the hunt for a top playoff seed as the region schedule moves into its second half.
Opelika fell to 2-3 overall and 2-2 in region play. The Bulldogs stay in the playoff picture, but they now face a tougher path to a high finish in the standings.
Looking Ahead
Auburn (4-2, 3-1) returns to Duck Sanford Stadium next week to host JAG. The Tigers will look to build on their momentum and keep pace near the top of the region.
Opelika (2-3, 2-2) goes on the road to face Dothan. The Bulldogs will try to bounce back from the narrow loss and climb back above .500 in region play.
