Auburn High School advanced to the AHSAA 7A state championship by defeating cross-town rival Opelika 17-10 on November 21, 2025. The 100th all-time meeting between these fierce competitors lived up to the billing. Both teams battled hard at Duck Samford Stadium in what will go down as one of the most memorable rivalry games.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Auburn finished 11-2 after advancing to the state title game
- Opelika enters the contest ranked #10 statewide with a 9-3 record
- The Tigers blanked Daphne 40-0 in the second round two weeks ago
- Auburn’s last state championship appearance was 2022
- The state finals will be held at Protective Stadium in Birmingham on December 3-5, 2025
How Auburn Won The Rivalry Battle
Auburn struck first against Opelika. Wide receiver Joshua Askew threw a brilliant pass to quarterback Cason Myers for a 12-yard touchdown with 5:44 remaining in the opening quarter. The Tigers grabbed a 7-0 lead early. Auburn’s defense dominated the opening half. Before intermission, the Tigers added a field goal to push the lead to 10-0.
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The second half belonged to Opelika briefly. The Bulldogs scored on a third-quarter field goal to cut it to 10-3. Then came a stunning play—CJ Johnson broke free for a 67-yard rushing touchdown that electrified the home crowd. Suddenly, Opelika had tied the game at 10-10. The momentum seemed to shift.
But Auburn answered like champions do. Late in the fourth quarter, Cason Myers connected with Cash Reif on a 17-yard touchdown pass. Auburn extended its lead to 17-10. The Tigers’ defense held firm. Auburn forced a fumble and recovered to seal the historic victory on the road.
Why This Victory Matters For Auburn
This win marks Auburn’s 50th victory in the 100-game series against their fiercest rival. The emotional significance cannot be overstated. Both communities take pride in this matchup. For Auburn High, this represents a major step forward after missing the state championship game for three straight years.
The Tigers now head to Protective Stadium seeking their first state title since 2022. Auburn will face a tough field. The defending champion Thompson is also in the finals. Still, Auburn’s defense has been exceptional lately. The team got here by blanking Daphne 40-0 and beating Vestavia Hills 52-41 before this clutch semifinal win.
Game Statistics & Records
| Team Stats | Auburn | Opelika |
|---|---|---|
| Playoff Record | 3-0 | 2-1 |
| Season Record | 11-2 | 9-3 |
| State Ranking | #4 | #10 |
| All-Time Series | Auburn leads 50-50 | |
The score 17-10 represents Auburn’s defensive prowess. Both teams struggled offensively at times. Auburn converted crucial moments while Opelika couldn’t punch through when they had momentum. Special teams and discipline mattered. Auburn made fewer mistakes when it counted most.
What’s Next For Auburn High School
Auburn will prepare for the state championship game over the next two weeks. The Tigers will face either Thompson or another top-ranked opponent. Practice will focus on maintaining defensive intensity. Auburn’s offense scored just enough. The secondary has been outstanding throughout the playoffs.
Key preparations include studying championship-level opponents. Auburn’s coaching staff will analyze film intensely. The Tigers must avoid injuries during the critical two-week window. Rest and recovery will be vital. Auburn also needs to maintain composure. Playing in Protective Stadium is different from regional rivalry games.
Plus, Auburn faced early pressure in this game but answered back. That leadership and poise will be essential. The team’s connection to this community drives them forward. Fans have been waiting since 2022 for another title run.
Is Auburn’s Championship Dream Possible?
Auburn proved something important in this game. They don’t panic when trailing. They execute late. They force turnovers. These qualities matter in championship competitions. Still, the road ahead is incredibly tough. Auburn will need perfect execution. Their defense must continue shutting down opponents. And their quarterback play must be efficient.
One thing’s certain—Auburn earned this spot the hard way. They won three straight playoff games on the road. They didn’t get an easy path. Now they head to Protective Stadium seeking redemption after three years away from the finals. For Auburn fans, this moment feels different. Their Tigers are playing their best football right now.
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.