Live score updates: Opelika defeats Central

The No. 17 Opelika Bulldogs (8-1) defeated the No. 2 Central-Phenix City Red Devils (6-2) 23-14 in a top Alabama high school football matchup on Friday at Opelika High School. 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 first touchdown drive and an explosive play for a touchdown later in the quarter.

Opelika enters the field and the game begins shortly.

First quarter updates

Opelika receives the opening kick and off we go.

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

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

END OF FIRST QUARTER: Opelika 14, Central 0

Second quarter updates

FIELD GOAL OPELIKA! Reese Beasley moves to Opelika. The Bulldogs lead 17-0 with 6:40 left.

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

Interception center! The Red Devils force the turnover and have the ball in the Bulldogs' territory.

HALFTIME! Opelika 17, Central 7

Third Quarter Updates

Headquarters gets the opening push and we're on our way.

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

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

END OF THIRD QUARTER: Opelika 20, Central 7

Fourth Quarter Updates

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

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

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

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

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

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