Photographs by Freddie Herpin
2022 Football Outlook
Head Coach: Jimmy Zachery
2021 Record: 6-6, playoffs
Looking Back – Opelousas had one of the more interesting stories during 2021. After starting the year with one victory, the Tigers redirected, changing the offensive scheme and winning four of the final five. That enabled Opelousas to finish second among the district teams and head into the post season with a semblance of momentum. A first-round playoff victory was the first for the program since 2004.
Looking Ahead – The key question for Zachery as he starts his third year as the Opelousas head coach is whether there is a sufficient carry over effect from what his team experienced last year. The Tigers appear prepared to use a varied formation with sophomore quarterback Zach Malveaux and a backfield highlighted by sophomore Da’Shaun Ford, who gained over 500 yards during the last half of 2021. There is sufficient offensive line experience and a defensive mentality that should unable the Tigers to finish in the top half of District 5-4A. Combing through the roster reveals that Opelousas High is still a very young team, comprised of numerous sophomores and freshmen. There are skill position players who can be featured in a weaponized offense, including Korey Fontenot, Mekhi Jones and Zay Amos.
What Does the Coach Think – “We had a lot of young guys who played for us in key roles last season and they had to grow up. We are still young this year. We are still young, with only seven seniors. Our defense is a very confident, group, with many of those guys coming back in key roles for us. On the offensive line, we lost only one. You look at our offense and it’s still the same one we were using last year. (Ford) is a power back and our quarterback (Malveaux) will give us a chance to do a lot of things,” Zachery said.
Meet The Key Players – Bryson Baloney (OL, senior), Jacobian Ardoin (DL, sophomore), Chris Rideau, Jr. (OL, sophomore), Mekhi Jones (WR, senior), Zach Malveaux (QB, sophomore), Dontay Washington (LB, senior), Korey Fontenot (WR, sophomore), Da’ Shaun Ford (RB, sophomore).
Making a Prediction – Zachery has filled his non-district schedule with a number of successful programs, so assigning a season record for Opelousas is difficult. According to what the roster shows, 2022 may be a developmental year for the Tigers. In district Opelousas could again display some prominence.
*Note: analysis by Editor Bobby Ardoin
