BY D MARK MITCHELL

OPINION — In a game packed with momentum swings, clutch plays and playoff-caliber intensity, the Opelika Bulldogs dug deep and delivered a dramatic 24–22 win over Pike Road Friday night at Bulldog Stadium. The defining moment came with just 4:28 left on the clock. Pike Road, trailing by two, had marched into the red zone and looked poised to reclaim the lead. But Opelika defensive back Braiden Howard had other plans. Reading the play perfectly, Howard snatched an interception at the goal line, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and preserving the Bulldogs’ narrow advantage. From there, Opelika’s ground game took over. CJ Johnson, Blake Johnson and Jordan Waits pounded the turf, chewing up yards and clock until the final whistle. The night began with promise as quarter

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