Game Preview: Auburn @ Opelika
In this article:
Auburn and Opelika have a long-lasting rivalry that dates all the way back to 1930, with an overall series that is currently set at 47-45-3 in Opelika’s favor. With a history like that, it is very clear why this matchup…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingAuburn and Opelika have a long-lasting rivalry that dates all the way back to 1930, with an overall series that is currently set at 47-45-3 in Opelika’s favor. With a history like that, it is very clear why this matchup is always one of the most anticipated, exciting, hard-fought games in all of the state each year. In 2020, Auburn got the best of Opelika, winning 37-10 at home, with this year’s matchup being held at Opelika this upcoming Friday.
LAST WEEK RECAPS
AUBURN-
With an incredible 45-0 win against Park Crossing last Friday, Auburn and first-year head coach Keith Etheredge opened up their fall with a massive win. The Auburn offensive line is as good as advertised, star players Eston Harris, Bradyn Joiner Bradyn Joiner 6'3" | 300 lbs | OL Auburn | 2023 State AL , and Drew Bobo barely allowed any pressure all night, allowing junior quarterback Clyde Pittman Clyde Pittman 6'1" | 185 lbs | QB Auburn | 2023 State AL to shine as he totaled three touchdowns, two in the air, and one on the ground. Defensively, linebackers Brad Harper Brad Harper 6'1" | 210 lbs | LB Auburn | 2022 State AL and Powell Gordon Powell Gordon 6'3" | 215 lbs | LB Auburn | 2022 State AL dominated, tackling everything in sight with Harper recovering a fumble for a touchdown as well.
OPELIKA-
After suffering a disappointing close 30-21 loss to Callaway last Friday, Opelika looks to rebound this week when taking on their arch-rivals. Opelika is loaded with talent. Jarell Stinson Jarell Stinson 5'10" | 160 lbs | DB Opelika | 2022 State AL , their running back/cornerback is one of the state’s fastest players, Taylor Love Taylor Love 6'1" | 210 lbs | LB Opelika | 2022 State AL continues to dominate at middle linebacker, and defensive tackle Jerry Knight had a great showing as well. Stinson had two impressive touchdowns against Callaway, one on the ground and one through the air, showing off his versatility. Love and Knight were able to stuff the run incredibly well, while also forcing and recovering a fumble together.
OUR PREDICTION
Offensive and defensive line play along with running the ball will be some of the main keys to winning this game, overall it will be a huge battle in the trenches.
In order for their offense to click, Auburn’s offensive line is going to have to prevent Opelika’s great defensive front from doing what they were able to do towards Callaway. Taylor Love Taylor Love 6'1" | 210 lbs | LB Opelika | 2022 State AL is always around the ball, and he is a player that Auburn has to account for in order to move the ball. As he showed last week, in a clean pocket, Clyde Pittman Clyde Pittman 6'1" | 185 lbs | QB Auburn | 2023 State AL plays greatly, and will continue to do so if the protection is there.
On the other side of the ball, Brad Harper Brad Harper 6'1" | 210 lbs | LB Auburn | 2022 State AL and Powell Gordon Powell Gordon 6'3" | 215 lbs | LB Auburn | 2022 State AL are going to have to keep up with Jarell Stinson Jarell Stinson 5'10" | 160 lbs | DB Opelika | 2022 State AL , his speed and elusiveness are incredible, and if he is able to consistently make explosive plays, it will be a very long and tiring night for the Auburn defense.
Auburn and Opelika are going to have an all-out war this Friday, and we can’t wait to see it. Rivalry games like this are always a great time. With both teams having such a long and exciting history of competing with each other, both Auburn and Opelika will be coming to play a tough, physical game!