Tigers Move To Round 2
BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Consulting Writer
As a defending state champion, the Opelousas High football team knows a little bit about postseason momentum.
Opelousas head coach Jimmy Zachery, Jr., is feeling the renewal of that playoff vibe as his team prepares for the regional round Division II non-select regional round game at third-seeded Jennings this Friday night.
“I think we’re ready. I can see our focus. Our seniors know what’s at stake over the next coming week. Every game could be their last ride. There are no guarantees week to week in the playoffs.
“We have a lot of confidence right now because of who we played in our non-district schedule. However we have a long way to go. In the three games we’ve lost, it’s because we didn’t play our type of football,” Zachery said on Friday.
The Tigers (7-3) won a fourth straight on Thursday night at Donald Gardner Stadium, defeating No. 27 Bastrop 47-6.
Bastrop (7-4) came to Donald Gardner on a two-game winning streak.
The game got out of hand early, as Opelousas climbed on top 34-10 at halftime. Bastrop scored a touchdown during the final quarter.
Zachery said the 2024 playoff path for Opelousas resembles last season when the Tigers won three straight postseason road games, before defeating Cecilia at the Superdome for the state title.
“It’s looking like the same thing, but I guess you could say we’re used to it. I think we’ve shown we can be road warriors,” said Zachery.
In the last six games Opelousas has averaged 40.3 points.
Against Bastrop, Opelousas received offensive performances from running back DeShaun Ford, wide receiver Korey Fontenot and quarterback Zack Malveaux.
The Ford rushing performance provided nearly 300 individual yards, while Malveaux and Fontenot connected on three touchdowns. Fontenot had over 100 yards in receptions.
“I thought our o-line did a great job on the protections. Overall I think we had our best effort (against Bastrop). There are some things to clean up with the special teams,” Zachery said.
Zachery said if Fontenot gets into the open, a reception is normally anticipated.
“Korey has that great speed and he runs great routes, so he gets open,” Zachery pointed out.
Zachery said against Bastrop Fontenot was able to break off his primary route and improvised enough to get open so Malveaux could find him for a touchdown.
Playing a number three seed on the road won’t be easy, said Zachery.
“They’re third seed for a reason. They have a bye, so they will be fresh and ready. They have good talent at quarterback and running back and their o-line looks like they fire off the ball well. Our guys are going to have to step up and play,” Zachery said.
