Photograph: Opelousas High School Quarterback Zack Malveaux (Photograph by Bobby Ardoin.)
BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Consulting Writer
It’s been awhile since the Opelousas High football program began a season with three victories, but the Tigers head into midseason as the team with the most wins in St. Landry Parish.
Opelousas improved to 3-1 Friday night with a comeback victory at St. Amant after taking control of the second half offensively and defensively.
The Tigers trailed 14-0 at halftime, as St. Amant and Opelousas matched their running games. Opelousas however scored four consecutive times during the second half to secure the final 28-21 verdict.
Opelousas High head coach Jimmy Zachery, Jr. said several factors contributed to the Tigers’ ability to take control of the game.
“I thought defensively we were giving St. Amant a little too much of the edge in the first half, so we fixed that and then got a little tougher in the box. I thought our defensive line was able to take over the game,” said Zachery.
Offensively the Tigers found success with the passing game in the final two quarters.
Quarterback Zach Malveaux threw consecutive touchdown passes to Kory Fontenot (24 yards) and Mekhi Jones (64 yards) during the third quarter and added a third score with a 1-yard touchdown run that helped move Opelousas into the lead 21-14.
Then in the fourth quarter Malveaux ran again for another TD, this time from 24 yards out.
St. Amant scored late in the game on a second touchdown pass.
Zachery said he was pleased with the production from Malveaux, who missed half of last season with an injury after starting the 2021 opener.
“Zach ran for two touchdowns and passed for two more. I thought he was able to take command of the offense in the second half and he didn’t make any mental mistakes. I think for a sophomore he is showing a lot of maturity,” said Zachery.
Overall Malveaux ran for 37 yards and finished with 118 passing yards after completing five-of-12 attempts.
Despite the early success, Zachery said he’s disappointed Opelousas is now 4-0.
Opelousas opened the season with a 32-15 loss at Teurlings Catholic.
