Auburn vs Opelika Live HS Football Game Playoffs Friday, Nov. 21, 2025

[Lolitadavidovichi]

The state of Alabama pauses this Friday for the greatest rivalry in high school sports: the 101st showdown between the Auburn Tigers and the Opelika Bulldogs. This is not just a regular-season grudge match; it's the AHSAA Class 7A State Semifinal, pitting two local powerhouses against each other for a ticket to the State Championship game. Set for Friday, November 21, 2025, at 7 PM local time in Auburn, the atmosphere will be electric. Fans searching for the definitive Auburn vs Opelika score are about to witness the most meaningful contest between these cross-town rivals in years, with the Tigers holding a razor-thin 50-47-3 edge in the all-time series.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: High School Football
Who: Auburn vs Opelika
When: Friday, Nov. 21, 2025
Local time: 7 PM
Location: Alabama

The Iron Bowl of High School Football: A Rivalry For the Ages​

Separated by just nine miles, the communities of Auburn and Opelika live and breathe this rivalry. Named by the NFHS Network as the state's biggest high school rivalry, this annual gridiron battle is steeped in history and intensity. The 2025 playoffs bring an unprecedented level of drama, as the winner of this semifinal contest secures a spot in the state's ultimate game.

The Home Team: Auburn Tigers (10-2 Overall)​

The Auburn Tigers, ranked No. 5 in the state and holding a 10-2 record, enter this game on a hot streak. Their disciplined, sharp-executing offense and stout defense have powered them through the first two rounds, including a dominant 40-0 shutout victory over Daphne last week.

• Recent Dominance: Auburn has had Opelika's number recently, winning the 100th rivalry game earlier this season in a thrilling 17-10 victory and leading the overall series 50-47-3.
• Offensive Edge: The Tigers’ balanced attack, led by their precise quarterback play, consistently delivers scores, averaging 36.5 points per game in their playoff run.
• Key Playoff Win: The 52-41 first-round shootout win against Vestavia Hills proved they can win an offensive war, while the shutout against Daphne showed their defensive capabilities.

The Road Team: Opelika Bulldogs (9-3 Overall)​

The Opelika Bulldogs, ranked No. 7 in the state and holding a 9-3 record, have earned their spot in the semifinals through sheer grit and strong defensive play. They are riding a wave of confidence after upsetting a highly-ranked Baker team 35-9 last week, a victory that showcased their balanced attack and turnover-forcing defense.

• Playoff Grit: The Bulldogs have won close games, including a crucial 27-21 first-round upset of Hewitt-Trussville, proving they thrive under pressure.
• Defensive Leaders: Opelika's defense is stout, led by players like defensive back Braiden Howard, who boasts 5 interceptions on the season, capable of creating game-changing turnovers.
• The Run Game: Running back CJ Johnson is the heartbeat of the Opelika offense, averaging 63.3 rushing yards per game and providing the power needed to sustain drives and control the clock.

The Semifinal Matchup: What Determines the Score?​

Why This Game is Unmissable​

This AHSAA Class 7A semifinal between Auburn vs Opelika transcends football—it's a community event. With Auburn leading the all-time series by a narrow margin, and both teams having secured highly impressive playoff wins, this contest has all the makings of a down-to-the-wire thriller. The Tigers will rely on their potent passing game and recent dominance in the rivalry, while the Bulldogs will aim to win the game with defensive pressure and a relentless ground attack.
Tune in Friday night to see which team punches its ticket to the State Championship and secures bragging rights in one of Alabama's most storied rivalries!