THURSDAY PREPS: Opelika stays perfect in region play with win over Carver

By GRAHAM DUNN
The Opelika Bulldogs took advantage of an early turnover and let the defense do the work in a win over G.W. Carver on a rainy night at Cramton Bowl on Thursday.

The Bulldogs picked up their third Cass 6A, Region 2 victory with a 28-6 win over Carver, improving to 3-0 in the region and 3-2 overall.

The Wolverines fumbled on the third play from scrimmage, allowing great field position for the Bulldogs. Kaden Cooper capped off a quick scoring drive with a 3-yard run to give Opelika an early 7-0 lead.

Opelika struck again with a 54-yard pass play from Roman Gagliano to Shawn Jones with just under seven minutes left in the first half for a 14-0 lead, which the Bulldogs held at halftime.

Carver got its only points in the third period on a 100-yard interception return by Jaqueraius Thomas. The extra point try was blocked but the Wolverines were within striking distance with 9:20 to go in the period.

But the Bulldogs tacked on two more scores in the final quarter, a Cooper 2-yard run followed in the final minutes by a 17-yard romp by Calvin Hughley.

Charles Gagliano kicked all four extra points for the Bulldogs.

Carver quarterback Jamar Green had 105 yards passing on 4-of-13 attempts. Desmond Hordges added 78 yards rushing.

Cooper finished with 111 yards rushing on 36 carries.

Carver (2-2, 2-1) is back at Cramton Bowl next Thursday to face Jeff Davis in a non-region game. Opelika travels to Phenix City to face Central.