OPINION — In a rivalry showdown for the ages, Opelika edged Auburn High 34-31 Friday night to earn a spot in the Class 7A state championship game. The Bulldogs will face Thompson at 7 p.m. on Dec. 3 in the AHSAA Super 7 football championships at Protective Stadium in Birmingham.

Opelika appeared in control after building a 31-14 lead early in the fourth quarter, thanks to CJ Johnson’s electrifying 57-yard touchdown run with 11:14 remaining. But Auburn High refused to fold. The Tigers mounted a furious rally, scoring twice late — including a 9-yard touchdown run by Cason Myers — to cut the deficit to 31-28 with just 1:44 left.

Needing one last stop, Auburn kicked off and hoped for a miracle. Instead, Johnson delivered the dagger, breaking free for another huge run deep into Auburn territo

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