This week, the Tigers have their sights set on a basketball matchup with the region-rival Opelika Bulldogs. The Tigers come off a double overtime thriller at Auburn High, where the Tigers pulled off a stunning victory against the Central Red Devils. They look to secure another region win as they quickly approach Area Tournament.
High School football is a culture in East Alabama. When Friday night rolls around, there's nothing more to do than spend it under the lights. It's where the community comes to unwind, and people come to be seen. If you're a High School student, you're either on the team, the cheer squad, the band, or in the stands. It's a given at Auburn High. In a small, yet vibrant college town, football isn't just reserved for Saturdays. If one thing is certain, the rivalries run deep.
The case was no different during the 98th meeting between the Opelika Bulldogs and the Auburn Tigers. Remaining one of Alabama's oldest rivalries, the teams have played every year since 1930. 2023 was one for the books.Coming off a disappointing season overshadowed by being ineligible for postseason play, the Opelika Bulldogs were looking to get a big win at home. Starting the year 3-3, this game would prove imperative down the road. Having battled top-ranked Central and the reining State Champion Thompson, The Bulldogs needed a solid win to move forward. Furthermore, playoff contention was on the line. Likewise, the Tigers found themselves in their own type of trouble. An early week two loss left many uncertain of the Tiger's fate. With their starting quarterback injured, they were relying on the rest of the offense to show out. It was an Auburn team seeking to prove they deserved to be among the best. Both teams had something on the line during a pivotal point in their seasons.
Bulldog Stadium had an immense showing on the home and visitor sides. The Bulldogs came out looking strong, leading the Tigers in the first half. They even remained dominant in the 3rd quarter. But during the final minutes of play, Auburn showed out. Surprisingly, the Tigers led for just 21 seconds in the second half, and that is all it took to seal the game in Opelika. It was a hard-fought battle on both the defensive and offensive sides of the ball. Auburn had to gradually dig themselves out of their deficit late in the game. The situation did not look promising for Auburn halfway through the final quarter. With the Tigers down by 13, the Bulldogs appeared to have full control in the 2nd half. A switch flipped on the visitor's sideline. The following drive, the offense made their way down the field. With the help of running back Omar Mabson, Auburn scored with a 6-yard run. But the team didn't stop there. The Tiger's defense made their way on the field, putting up a huge stop on star prospect Roman Gagliano's offense. With another opportunity to score, the Tigers made their way to the end zone a second time with a reception and dive to the end zone from Griffin McLean to tie the game. A PAT from Townes McGough put the Tigers in front with seconds left to play. The Auburn Defense held Opelika long enough for the clock to run to zero, securing the hard-fought game for Auburn.
That night in Bulldog Stadium was a classic rivalry game for the two. Between 1974 and 2013, the game determined the team's fate ahead of the postseason. Typically, the winner of Auburn vs. Opelika was the only one secured a spot in the playoffs. Both teams, then 6A, were competing for something more than a rivalry. Of course, the Tigers moved to 7A, and Opelika soon followed suit, but much remains the same. The close games and miraculous comebacks happen time and time again. The ranking never seems to matter. For one night, both teams come to give it all they have. Sometimes, we're lucky enough to witness a game for the ages.
Friday, we watch both teams compete not on the field but on the court, Marking a Rivalry with its own history and significance. With buzzer-beaters and miraculous comebacks, Basketball has a history as deep as football.
We saw Tabari Allen put up 24 points against the Red Devils, along with 4 rebounds and 2 assists. After Allen fouled out in double overtime, Antwane Daniels picked up the slack with 6 points to finish the game. Allen and Daniels will be huge factors, along with several senior playmakers. Bradley Pearson has had a great start to the season, averaging 11.2 points per game. Auburn vs. Opelika will be live on AHS Mass Media, starting at 4:30 with the JV Boys. The Ladies and Varsity Men will follow with senior night before each matchup. Tune in as the Tigers look to add to their regional victories.
