Live score updates: Opelika defeats Central - Phenix City in top Alabama high school football matchup (10/18/2024)

Get game updates from Central - Phenix City against Opelika in a top Alabama high school football showdown

Opelika faces Central - Phenix City on Friday, October 18 / Jake Crandall/ USA TODAY NETWORK

The No. 17 Opelika Bulldogs (8-1) defeated the No. 2 Central - Phenix City Red Devils (6-2) 23-14 on Friday at Opelika High School in a top Alabama high school football matchup. Opelika will go to the playoffs.

Opelika kicker Reese Beasley hit three field goals, including a 40-yarder in the fourth quarter to take a 23-14 lead in the final minutes. Tyler Morris intercepted Central on the Red Devils' final drive.

Opelika's offense controlled the first half with a long opening touchdown drive, and an explosive play for a touchdown later in the quarter.

Central - Phenix City vs. Opelika Live Score Updates

Opelika takes the field, and the game will begin shortly.

First Quarter Updates

Opelika receives the opening kickoff and we're underway.

TOUCHDOWN OPELIKA! A 70-yard opening drive ends with a Blake Johnson short-yardage touchdown. PAT is good. Opelika leads 7-0 with 6:15 remaining in the quarter.

TOUCHDOWN OPELIKA! Jamari Miller catches a pass in the middle of the field, breaks a tackle and takes it to the end zone. PAT is good. Opelika leads 14-0 with 2:15 remaining in the quarter.

END OF FIRST QUARTER: Opelika 14, Central 0

Second Quarter Updates

FIELD GOAL OPELIKA! Reese Beasley converts for Opelika. The Bulldogs lead 17-0 with 6:40 remaining.

TOUCHDOWN CENTRAL! Tristan Williams runs in a 10-yard touchdown. PAT is good. Oplika leads 14-7 with 3:16 remaining.

INTERCEPTION CENTRAL! The Red Devils force the turnover and have the ball in Bulldogs territory.

HALFTIME! Opelika 17, Central 7

Third Quarter Updates

Central receives the opening kick and we're underway.

FIELD GOAL OPELINKA! Beasley hits a field goal just over 40 yards. Opelinka leads 20-7 with 6:25 remaining.

INTERCEPTION OPELIKA! The Bulldogs snag the interception deep in Red Devil territory with seconds remaining in the quarter.

END OF THIRD QUARTER: Opelika 20, Central 7

Fourth Quarter Updates

TOUCHDOWN CENTRAL! Daylyn Upshaw snags a touchdown pass on a short slant route. Opelika leads 20-14 with 6:12 remaining.

Central has the ball inside the 50-yard line with three minutes remaining.

Opelinka stops the Red Decils on fourth down to get the ball back with 2:50 remaining, and Central has all three timeouts.

FIELD GOAL OPELIKA! Beasley hits third field goal of the game, this one from 40-yards. Opelika leads 23-14 with 2:22 remaining.

INTERCEPTION OPELIKA! Tyler Morris intercepts to win the game for the Bulldogs on the first play of the drive for Central.

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• Top 25 Alabama high school football rankings (10/15/2024)

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