BOBBY ARDOIN Editor/Contributing Writer
It became evident to St. Landry Parish School District officials during the initial interview process that Jimmy Zachery, Jr. was the right person to resurrect the football program at Opelousas High.
“We recognized the passion and the professionalism that (Zachery) showed when he told our interview committee why he wanted to be the head coach and athletic director,” said current parish athletic director Jerome Robinson.
Robinson and Zachery were present Tuesday during the noon meeting of the Opelousas Rotary Club, where Zachery discussed the OHS football program, highlights from the 2023 state championship season along with a preview of 2024.
Rotary club president Mike Ortego, a former head football coach and athletic director at Opelousas High, presented Zachery with a plaque, signifying the selection of Zachery as the 2023 Division II Non-Select Coach of The Year by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association.
Receiving The Job
Robinson recalled that the interviewers were impressed that Zachery was evidently well prepared for the interview.
“He came in with a plan (for the program) and his portfolio. I remember one question that stated why (Zachery) was the right person,” Robinson noted.
“(Zachery) didn’t hesitate to tell the committee that he had a path for getting the program in the right direction. You could feel that (Zachery) had the passion and the love for football and the city of Opelousas,” Robinson said.
Robinson said that commitment was demonstrated during the previous season when the Tigers completed a somewhat improbable state title journey, after playing only two regular season home games and one during the postseason.
“What (Zachery) did last year was he also brought a community together that was hurting and caused people to feel about their city,” Robinson said.
Football Program
Ortego, who last year volunteered to assist the coaching staff, said he feels Zachery has built the football program the appropriate way.
“(Zachery) made it his business of picking up the football program when it was in the doldrums and taking it off the mat. He also has a good staff of coaches who understand the game,” Ortego added.
Ortego said Zachery has instituted accountability for everyone associated with the program.
“The program has a good weight room, with the proper way of stretching and conditioning, which has developed players that have become bigger, stronger and faster. The team doesn’t let up once they start,” Ortego said.
2023 In Review
Zachery pointed out that winning a state championship was not without difficulty.
“We were able to do something great, but it wasn’t easy. We had eight games on the road (during the regular season). The games we lost were ones where we either didn’t close it out or we beat ourselves,” said Zachery.
Zachery admitted to fighting off his apprehensions as the state title game against district rival Cecilia approached.
“I was so nervous, but what we did was to use the facilities at (Edna) Karr and keep the routine the same as we had all season. Without the staff I had, I would not have made it,” Zachery said.
Zachery credited the coaching experience of Ortego for helping the Tigers in the postseason.
“He has more experience than the whole staff together and he brought in a great deal of wisdom,” Zachery pointed out.
Looking At 2024
Opelousas expects to return 10 defensive players and another seven offensively.
The schedule this season begins with four consecutive home games that include Teurlings Catholic, Edna Karr, Lake Charles College Prep and Alexandria.
Three straight road games that include Natchitoches Central, Zachary and Livonia follow.
Breaux Bridge, another district opponent, is on the road, while district games with Cecilia and Beau Chene are at home.
“It’s really a tough schedule, but it’s my opinion that if you want to be the best, you have to play who’s best,” added Zachery.
