OHS Moves Forward
BOBBY ARDOIN
St. Landry Now.com Editor
A strong finish in 2025 seems to signal what could be continued Opelousas High football program progress.
That’s how second-year OHS head football Harry Coleman perceives his team’s situation as the Tigers approach a new season.
The Tigers started last year 0-6, won three of the last four regular season games and then reached the Class 4A non-select regionals.
His players also had another offseason to understand his expected performance standards, says Coleman, whose initial group of assistants have essentially remained intact.
“I thought we competed well last year as the season moved along and that’s carried over into this summer where we’ve gotten 100 percent participation. I think that shows our players have bought into what we’re doing.
“As a result we’ve had our heads down and we’ve really been working,” Coleman says.
There are new staff changes for the defensive line and running backs, but otherwise expect the Tigers to feature little change and utilize their speed offensively and defensively.
Guys Up Front
Although Coleman knows he has skill position playmakers, he believes the overall strength of his team can be traced to the offensive and defensive lines.
“Those are the guys we plan to really lean on and use to our advantage. We have a number of older linemen who have seen a lot of football for this program. I think what they can do is really special and as a group, they are fun to watch,” Coleman said.
Look for guard Shane Broussard (270 pounds), center Daelan Roby (265), guard Grant Lastrapes (255), guard Damian Rubin (225) and lineman Damarian Labbe (270) to provide strength among the blockers, Coleman says.
The Playmakers
Opelousas returns a number of playmakers from 2025.
It’s a group that was capable either offensively or defensively to provide explosive yards and scoring and there is nothing to change that this season.
The Tigers will still operate from a pro-style spread, with quarterback Collin Rideau having another year of directing the offense.
Rideau is a dual threat who compiled over 2,000 total total offensive yards last year.
Running back Joseph Clues and wide receiver Jaylon Owens can explode at any time, while wide receiver Marly Richard adds another weapon that can make Opelousas capable of scoring from long distance.
Clues plays at about 165 pounds, but he’s elusive and moves with power.
Owens also plays defensive back and returns punts and kickoffs that often return in touchdowns or instances where the Tigers suddenly flip the field.
Last year Owens scored a number of defensive touchdowns. As a receiver and runner, Owens provided over 1,100 yards.
Richard, a key starter in the secondary, is also a pass catcher who provided over 30 receptions.
OHS Defensively
The Tigers feature a pair of twins on the defensive side, as Braylon Gradnigo and Brandon Gradnigo are at linebacker.
Javion Hill is a defensive playmaker at end, while Caden Arvie, who can play wide receiver, is a dependable cornerback along with Aaron Hall and Anthony Keys.
“I like our defense. We have a lot of guys back at their same positions. (Caden) Arvie is a solid player, we have good linebackers and our defensive line also has experience,” Coleman says.
The District Outlook
Carencro has dropped down to Class 4A this year and the Bears offer another dominant team along with Opelousas and Cecilia, which are expected to reign as the top tier teams from the district.
“Having Carencro in our district gives the district another good football program that is always going to be a playoff contender,” Coleman says.
