OC Meeting Challenges
BOBBY ARDOIN
St. Landry Now.com Editor
Some high school baseball coaches prefer to construct easily-won contests.
At Opelousas Catholic the strategy is just the opposite.
Vikings’ head baseball coach Justin Boyd routinely prepares schedules of maximum difficulty, something that is evident again this season.
After winning another district championship several weeks ago, Boyd isn’t about to let his players relax.
The remaining regular season portion of the OCS baseball schedule beginning this week includes two perennial state champions, a Class 5A contender and a Baton Rouge program that has won its share of state titles.
“We look forward to the playoffs each year and with the schedule we play from the start until the postseason, we want our players to remain committed. The last couple of regular season games are going to provide the type of challenge that we need,” Boyd said.
What Lies Ahead
The top-seeded Vikings consecutively now play Vermilion Catholic, Pitkin, St. Thomas More, Ponchatoula and Parkview Baptist.
During the regular season, the Vikings have already played games against Barbe, Neville, Southside, Teurlings Catholic, Catholic-New Iberia, Dunham, Notre Dame and Erath.
OCS is also riding on a lengthy winning streak, providing a bit of confidence as the postseason approaches.
“Our kids get along with one another and we are playing well right now. We’re hitting well, our pitching has been good although we probably could play defense a little better,” Boyd said.
Pitching Strength
Boyd said the Vikings’ pitching staff includes four starters who have experience and well as control.
“Before we started the season, we felt that we had the arms that were going to allow us to compete. We thought that our staff was going to give us a chance to compete with a lineup that is competitive,” Boyd said.
Two senior starters – Carter Stelly and Kross Gillen, will probably continue baseball careers at a high level, said Boyd.
Senior Maurice Marcel also has a chance to pitch in college, while junior starter Lane Dugas has another year.
“All of our starters have proven that when they are on the mound, they come to play. Their experience has helped,” said Boyd.
Remaining Lineup
Catcher Myles Collins, a junior, has committed to Troy University, Boyd said.
Infield starters include first baseman Hunter Doucet, second baseman Dugas, shortstop John Parker Trahan and senior third baseman Ethan Little.
Stelly, Gillen and Evan Duplechin are the outfielders.
