Opelika cracks ASWA top 10

When the Alabama Sports Writers Association preseason high school football poll was released, many raised questions as to why Opelika was left out of the Top 10 in Class 6A.

One week and one impressive win later, people no longer have to keep asking.

On the heels of a 30-6 win on the road at Sidney Lanier, the Bulldogs cracked the latest prep poll, released by the ASWA on Tuesday.

Opelika, who narrowly missed being in the first poll of the year, entered this week’s rankings at No. 7.

The second set of rankings also saw a pair of local teams make jumps.

In Class 1A, Loachapoka jumped from No. 8 to No. 7 after beating LaFayette, 20-14.

And in AISA, Glenwood moved from 10th to No. 8 after beating Marengo Academy, 33-21.

Several other area schools are just out of the Top 10 and receiving votes.

In Class 6A, Auburn High received three votes after its 42-7 win over Valley. Central-Phenix City, who had votes in the preseason, picked up a few more votes (24) after beating Georgia power Shaw, 33-32.

In Class 5A, Tallassee received a vote following a 21-19 win over Elmore County.

Lanett received 11 votes in the Class 2A poll after an impressive 34-0 win over Beulah, and Lee-Scott still received a vote in AISA despite falling to top-ranked Bessemer last week, 38-0.

Around the state, Prattville (6A), Eufaula (5A), North Jackson (4A), Cordova (3A), Leroy (2A), Sweet Water (1A) and Bessemer (AISA) were ranked No. 1 by the sports writers.

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