The historic rivalry between the Auburn Tigers and Opelika Bulldogs, two powerhouse high school football programs from East Alabama, added another chapter to its storied legacy on Thursday, September 4, 2025. This highly anticipated matchup, the 100th meeting between the neighboring schools, took place at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika. For decades, this rivalry has captivated fans and produced some of the state’s most memorable moments on the gridiron. The game brought together the No. 3-ranked Auburn Tigers, looking to rebound from a tough loss, and the undefeated, No. 14-ranked Opelika Bulldogs, who were eager to defend their home turf and continue their winning ways. The atmosphere was electric as both sides of the stadium filled with passionate fans, ready to cheer on their respective teams. Beyond the immediate stakes of the game, this contest was a celebration of a rivalry that has defined high school football in the region, with the Opelika Public Library even hosting an exhibit to commemorate the landmark 100th game.

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Who Will Win This Matchup?

This matchup was a classic battle of strengths. The Auburn Tigers, despite their recent loss to Vestavia Hills, came into the game as the higher-ranked team, boasting a powerful offense led by junior quarterback Cason Myers. They were looking to get back on track and assert their dominance in the series. On the other side, the Opelika Bulldogs were a perfect 2-0 and had shown a knack for winning close games, coming off a thrilling overtime victory. Their defense, anchored by players like defensive lineman Tremayne Thomas, was ready to challenge Auburn’s potent attack. The home-field advantage for the Bulldogs, coupled with their recent momentum, made them a formidable opponent. However, the Tigers’ talent and their motivation to bounce back from a loss created a compelling narrative. The game was poised to be a nail-biter, continuing the tradition of tight finishes that has characterized this rivalry for years.

Team Records and History

The Auburn Tigers and Opelika Bulldogs rivalry is one of the oldest and most balanced in Alabama high school football. The first game was played in 1917, and since then, the two teams have met a total of 99 times before this contest. Coming into Thursday’s game, Auburn held a slight lead in the all-time series, with a record of 49-47-3 against the Bulldogs. However, Opelika had a significant run of success in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with a nine-game winning streak from 1996 to 2004. In more recent history, Auburn had dominated the series, winning the last five matchups. Despite the Tigers’ recent success, games played at Bulldog Stadium have historically been incredibly close, with the last time Auburn won there by more than a touchdown being in 2009. The Bulldogs’ last victory in the series came in 2019 on their home field. This historical context underscores the intensity and unpredictability of this storied rivalry.

Team Recent Results

The Auburn Tigers entered the game with a 1-1 record, having had a mixed start to their season. They kicked off with a strong victory before suffering a significant setback. The Opelika Bulldogs, meanwhile, were enjoying an undefeated 2-0 record, having already proven their ability to win in high-pressure situations.

Here is a look at the recent results for both teams:

Auburn Tigers Upcoming Games Schedule

Following their historic matchup with the Opelika Bulldogs, the Auburn Tigers have a demanding schedule ahead of them as they continue their 2025 season. The Tigers will be tested by a mix of regional rivals and non-conference opponents, both at home and on the road.

Here is a look at the Auburn Tigers’ upcoming games:

Opelika Bulldogs Upcoming Games Schedule

The Opelika Bulldogs, coming off their highly anticipated game against the Auburn Tigers, have a challenging road ahead with a series of regional games. The Bulldogs will look to build on their early-season success as they face a mix of tough opponents in the coming weeks.

Here is a look at the Opelika Bulldogs’ upcoming games: