Photograph: Opelousas quarterback Zach Malveaux follows Tigers’ lineman Bryson Lewis. (Photograph by Freddie Herpin.)
BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Consulting Writer
As the statewide stage grows larger the Opelousas High football team continues to match the attention with an appropriate response.
This time the Tigers responded with an impressive Friday night take down of Leesville, adding another win to a season which is developing into one the Opelousas program hasn’t experienced in decades.
“It’s a real big win, beating (Leesville), a winning program which came in here undefeated,” said Opelousas High head football coach Jimmy Zachery, Jr., following the 56-20 Homecoming victory at Donald Gardner Stadium.
Zachery gave credit to the large number of spectators that gathered in an adjoining baseball field and parking area filled campers, tents, outdoor cooking and partisan support that matched the size of the overflow crowd that watched the come-from-behind win while sitting in their stadium seats.
“That was huge. Homecoming here is always something that gives us motivation. I think those who came out played a big part in what we were able to do and I think our players were able to feed off that,” Zachery added.
It was also the fourth straight win for Opelousas (4-1), but the margin of victory wasn’t justified until the early in the second quarter when sophomore quarterback Zach Malveaux broke open a game tied at 14 for 10 seconds with a 65-yard run.
The TD with 10 minutes and 27 seconds remaining before halftime ignited the Tigers, who at the time had already lost two fumbles and an early one touchdown lead.
Malveaux scored three straight times after that on running plays before adding two more TD’s on throws.
Zachery said Malveaux’s long run down the sideline set the tone for the remainder of the game.
“That play broke their back. Their ends had been crashing down and we had to make an adjustment that allowed (Malveaux) to get past them,” Zachery said.
Malveaux finished with 12 carries and 141 rushing yards. Additionally Malveaux passed for 87.
Leesville head coach Rob Causey gave credit to Malveaux and the Opelousas defense.
“I thought the quarterback (Malveaux) was the difference. Football is such a simple game. You make the plays you need to make in order to win and (Opelousas) was able to do that,” Causey said.
“You look at our turnovers (four fumbles, two interceptions) and that certainly stands out,” said Causey.
Causey also complimented Zachery and the current ascendancy of the OHS program.
“My hat’s off to them. (Zachery) has his players believing and (Opelousas) is getting the support of the community. That’s what you need to have a successful high school program,” said Causey.
Zay Amos scored the first OHS touchdowns that gave the Tigers a 14-7 lead amid a scoring flurry by both teams during the first 8:58.
Leesville scored the second touchdown on a nine-yard pass from quarterback Parker Marks to wide receiver Marshawn Graham.
Opelousas extended the lead (28-14) on a 57-yard scoring drive after another Leesville fumble
After taking a 50-14 halftime lead, Opelousas didn’t score, but used the running of De’Shaunn Ford (24 carries, 80 yards), to extinguish nearly 10 minutes off the game clock.
What’s next? Opelousas hosts New Iberia Friday night.
