Football Game Preview: Opelika Bulldogs vs. Pike Road Patriots + How To Watch

The Opelika Bulldogs will face off against the Pike Road Patriots at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The two teams are sauntering into the matchup backed by comfortable wins in their prior games.

Last Friday, Opelika was fully in charge, breezing past Smiths Station 42-6. The Bulldogs haven't had any issues with the Panthers recently, as the game was their fifth consecutive win against them.

Colby Key

Rushing Yards (Career)

09/19/25 @ Smiths Station	37
08/28/25 @ Callaway	34
09/20/24 vs Smiths Station	31
10/04/24 @ Dothan	26
08/30/24 vs Callaway	14

Opelika got their victory on the backs of several key players, but it was Colby Key out in front who rushed for 37 yards and one touchdown. Those 37 rushing yards gave Key a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Dre Vann, who picked up 88 receiving yards and one TD.

Meanwhile, while Pike Road put up plenty of points last Thursday, the same can't be said for Percy Julian. The Patriots took their game with ease, bagging a 43-0 win over the Phoenix. The result was nothing new for the Patriots, who have now won three matchups by 23 points or more so far this season.

Pike Road's win came from a few key players Opelika will need to keep an eye on. One of the most notable was Gunner Gibbs, who threw for 166 yards and three touchdowns while completing 77.8% of his passes. O'Mari Smith was another key receiver, picking up 75 receiving yards and a pair of scores.

Opelika's victory bumped their record up to 4-1. As for Pike Road, their win bumped their record up to an identical 4-1.

Friday's contest might be decided on the ground. Opelika has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 170.2 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Pike Road struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 207.6 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's game turns into a tough fight on the ground.

Opelika beat Pike Road 31-20 in their previous meeting back in September of 2024. Do the Bulldogs have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Patriots turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.