Opelika (Ala.) head coach suspended for playoff game due to scouting violation

Opelika (Ala.) High is in the hunt for the Alabama 7A state title, but it will reportedly be without its head coach for its quarterfinal playoff game against Hoover this week.

Head coach Bryan Moore has been suspended by the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) after he was seen on the sidelines at Hoover’s round one playoff game against Fairhope last Thursday, according to WKRG’s Simone Eli.

A picture captured by Under The Lights shows Moore holding a pen and binder watching the Hoover game on the sidelines. He’s also wearing a credential, which, according to Lee, was intended for Opelika student media:

BREAKING: Sources tell me that Opelika HC Bryan Moore has been suspended by the AHSAA for the Bulldogs round 2 playoff game against Hoover.

Moore was seen on the sideline scouting at the Hoover Met last Thursday — while wearing a playoff credential intended for Opelika student… pic.twitter.com/nMpsKbhqjQ

— Simone Eli (@SimoneEli_TV) November 12, 2024

While opposing coaches are allowed to scout in-person, Moore was able to gain access to the field with the credential. The AHSAA’s suspension was given to Moore via the Coaches Conduct bylaw in Rule 5, section 3.

Opelika City Schools has since released a statement confirming the suspension for the upcoming game:

“Opelika City Schools and Coach Bryan Moore respect the standards set by the Alabama High School Athletic Association. While observing Hoover High School’s playoff game, Coach Moore used a media pass to access the field and take notes. Though he had no ill intent, Coach Moore recognizes this was an error in judgment and accepts the suspension.”

Opelika played its first-round playoff game the following night on Friday and defeated Florence 43-7. The Bulldogs are now 9-3 this season and are still set to take on Hoover this Friday, Nov. 15. The Buccaneers defeated Fairhope 35-10 last week and are favored to win the quarterfinal matchup against Opelika, according to the On3 Massey Ratings.

Moore is in his first year as head coach at Opelika after spending four years at Hartselle, where he won 38 games and didn’t miss the playoffs. He previously spent eight years as an assistant at Opelika and has also had head coaching stints at Eufaula and Jasper.

“I am so honored to be the new head football coach at Opelika High School,” Moore said in a release upon being named head coach last December. “It’s surreal to have the opportunity to come back and lead a program that I began coaching many years ago. Opelika has always been a special place to me and my family. It’s where I got my start in teaching and coaching and where my kids were born. My desire for this program is for it to be the best football program in Alabama.”