OPELIKA, Ala. (WRBL) – The storied rivalry between Auburn High and Opelika High reached its century mark Thursday night, with the Tigers edging out the Bulldogs 17-10 in the 100th meeting between the two schools.
Both teams circle this matchup on their calendars each year, and with the schools located so close to each other, the intensity never disappoints.
Auburn struck first in the opening quarter on a trick play, as quarterback Cason Myers lined up as a receiver and hauled in a pass from Josh Askew for the touchdown.
Opelika's defense stiffened for the remainder of the half, forcing Auburn into field goal tries. Bulldogs' defender Xavier Thomas blocked two of those attempts, but just before halftime, Auburn's Joseph Daniel connected on a 24-yard field goal to send the Tigers into the locker room with a 10-0 lead.
Opelika roared back in the second half. Early in the fourth quarter, CJ Johnson broke free for a dazzling 63-yard touchdown run, weaving through Auburn defenders to tie the game at 10 with just 10 minutes left.
But Auburn had the final word. Myers, back at his usual quarterback spot, found Cash Reif for a 16-yard touchdown pass to put the Tigers back on top. The score would hold, sealing a 17-10 Auburn victory in this historic rivalry matchup.
With the win, Auburn improves its all-time series lead to 50-47-3.
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