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Backyard Brawl: Auburn Opelika vs. Auburn Montgomery Set for 7A Semifinals
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Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, November 19th 2025 at 15:35 GMT by al.com- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
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Backyard Brawl: Auburn Opelika Set to Reignite Fierce Rivalry in Class 7A Semifinals
In what is being billed as the “backyard brawl” of the 2025 Alabama high‑school football season, Auburn Opelika and Auburn Montgomery will meet in the Class 7A semifinals this Saturday at the Auburn Municipal Stadium. The two schools, separated by less than a mile, have been battling for dominance in the region for decades, and the stakes have never been higher. A win would catapult the victor into the state championship game, and the loser will go home with a bitter taste of what could have been.
A Rivalry Built on History
The rivalry between Auburn Opelika and Auburn Montgomery dates back to the 1930s, when the first game on the Auburn football field ended in a dramatic 7‑7 tie. Over the years, the two programs have traded victories in ways that have fueled intense local bragging rights. In the last ten years, Auburn Opelika has taken five of the ten matchups, while Auburn Montgomery has taken the other five, and the series is now tied 5‑5. The most recent meeting, in the 2024 Class 7A quarterfinals, saw Auburn Opelika pull away with a 35‑21 win, a result that set the stage for the showdown this year.
The rivalry’s intensity is not just on the field. Local media outlets such as The Opelika Ledger and The Montgomery Sentinel regularly cover every game, and alumni gatherings often feature pep rallies for each side. In 2023, the community rallied behind Auburn Opelika, and the game‑day atmosphere was described by the Auburn Sentinel as “electric.” Auburn Montgomery’s supporters, meanwhile, celebrated a 29‑24 victory in 2022 that propelled them to the state finals for the first time in 15 years.
The 2025 Season in Review
Auburn Opelika’s 2025 campaign has been nothing short of impressive. Led by senior quarterback Tyler “Turbo” Johnson, the team posted a 12‑1 record in the regular season, with a 6‑0 record in the 7A Division 2 conference. Johnson, who threw for 3,400 yards and 35 touchdowns, has been the focal point of the offense. The Tigers’ running game, spearheaded by junior running back Derek Carter, has also been potent, gaining 1,100 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. On defense, Auburn Opelika’s front line, known as the “Iron Curtain,” forced 30 turnovers in the regular season and has been ranked first in Alabama for sacks.
Auburn Montgomery, on the other hand, finished the regular season at 10‑3, with a 5‑1 record in the 7A Division 2 conference. Their senior quarterback, Caleb Harris, has thrown for 3,200 yards and 30 touchdowns, while the offensive line has earned praise for its protection, giving Harris a low sack rate. The Tigers have also been defensively stout, ranking third in the state in points allowed and fourth in interceptions.
Key Players and Coaching Strategies
In Auburn Opelika, Coach Dan Whitfield will be looking to maintain his team’s momentum, especially after a key loss to Tuskegee in week 5 of the regular season. Whitfield, who has been with the program for nine years, emphasized the importance of discipline and conditioning in recent practice sessions. “We’re going to come out on the field with the same intensity we’ve shown all season,” he said in a pre‑game interview. “We’re ready to face any challenge.”
Auburn Montgomery’s coaching staff, led by Head Coach Kevin McBride, has focused on a balanced attack, blending a strong rushing game with a disciplined passing strategy. McBride, who has been at the helm for five seasons, noted that his team’s strength lies in the versatility of their offensive line. “We’re going to use our line to open up lanes for both the pass and the run,” he told reporters. “We’re also going to focus on tackling and forcing turnovers.”
Both teams will have to guard against key injuries. Auburn Opelika is watching the health of defensive tackle Alex “Bulldog” Brooks, who suffered a sprained ankle last week. Montgomery’s offensive guard, Sam “The Wall” Reynolds, is recovering from a mild concussion and may be limited in the first half.
The Stakes and the State
The Class 7A semifinals are the first of a two‑day event that culminates in the state championship game. Winning the semifinal will secure a berth in the championship and a chance to play at the Alabama Sports Center in Tuscaloosa. For Auburn Opelika, a victory would be the first state title for the program since 2007, while for Auburn Montgomery it would be the second title in school history, the first coming in 2003. Either team would return to the national spotlight, potentially boosting their recruiting efforts and solidifying their status as the premier high‑school football program in Alabama.
The playoff structure in Alabama’s 7A division is a single‑elimination bracket that begins with the first round in early November. The semifinals take place at a neutral site, and the winners advance to the final on November 26. The match‑ups are determined by conference records and RPI (Ratings Percentage Index) rankings, making the Auburn Opelika–Auburn Montgomery game a must‑watch for football fans throughout the state.
Community Anticipation
The local community is buzzing with excitement. Fans from both cities have already begun buying tickets, and the Auburn Municipal Stadium is expected to be sold out. According to a pre‑game survey conducted by the Alabama High‑School Sports Network, 85 % of respondents said they would attend the game if it were on their schedule. The rivalry has also spurred a surge in high‑school spirit, with both schools hosting pep rallies, marching band performances, and tailgating parties in the weeks leading up to the game.
The alumni association of Auburn Opelika has set up a “Victory Drive” to raise funds for the senior class’s travel to the championship game if they win, while Auburn Montgomery’s alumni group is promoting a “Back to Glory” campaign. Both sets of alumni are eager to see their school reclaim their rightful place on the state stage.
Looking Ahead
The matchup will likely be a back‑and‑forth battle. Auburn Opelika’s aggressive defense and high‑tempo offense will test Auburn Montgomery’s disciplined playbook, while Montgomery’s balanced attack could counter Opelika’s rushing dominance. The game will also serve as a test of how well each team’s coaching staff can adjust under pressure, a factor that could determine the outcome.
As the two teams prepare for the clash, the community will be watching closely. Whether it is the “backyard brawl” of the 2025 season, the “state‑defining showdown,” or simply a fight for bragging rights, one thing is clear: this semifinal will not be a game to be missed. The road to the Alabama state championship is about to begin, and for Auburn Opelika and Auburn Montgomery, the next 60 minutes could decide their legacies.
Read the Full al.com Article at:
[ https://www.al.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/a-backyard-brawl-auburn-opelika-set-to-reignite-fierce-rivalry-in-class-7a-semifinals.html ]
