OPELOUSAS – The Opelousas Tigers had a fantastic regular season a year ago. A 9-1 record led them into the playoffs with a nine-game winning streak. A close loss led to a first-round exit, but this team comes back hungry and ready to compete once again in 2023. Last year’s only regular season loss was to Teurlings, and the Tigers will start the season against the Rebels once again. If this team creates momentum early, they could have a very good season once again. Offensively, their rushing attack should lead the way as they have plenty of experience on that side of the ball. The defense also returns plenty of starters and will look to build on last year’s success.
IMPACT PLAYERS
Corey Amos, LB, Jr
Amos is a linebacker who brings experience to the Tiger defense. A year ago, he tallied 110 total tackles. Additionally, he had eight sacks. His ability to stop the run as well as rush the passer makes him a prime candidate to lead the defense. Expect a big season from Amos in 2023.
Zack Malveaux, QB, Jr
Malveaux is a true dual-threat option at the quarterback position. As a sophomore, he totaled nearly 1000 yards passing with 10 touchdowns. He also had nearly 700 rushing yards with 19 touchdowns. The offense will rely on Malveaux as a distributor and playmaker in 2023.
Da’Shaun Ford, RB, Jr
Ford is a well-built running back for the Tigers. He put up incredible numbers a year ago, with over 1600 rushing yards as well as 17 touchdowns. This team likes running the football, and Ford allows them to do so. Along with the big offensive line, expect Malveaux and Ford to lead the offense and help the ground game control the ball in plenty of games in 2023.
Head Coach: Jimmy Zachery
Zachery enters his fourth season at the helm of Opelousas High. He has seen the program take tremendous strides since the COVID-affected 2020 season. Last year’s great regular season put down a foundation and his team will look to build on that experience in 2023. Additionally, plenty of his best players are juniors and therefore will likely be good again in 2024.
2022 Record: 9-2
2023 Schedule
Sept. 1 @ Teurlings Catholic
Sept. 8 @ Natchitoches Central
Sept. 15 @ Lake Charles College Prep
Sept. 22 @ St. Amant
Sept. 29 @ Leesville
Oct. 5 @ New Iberia
Oct. 13 vs Livonia
Oct. 20 @ Cecilia
Oct. 27 vs Breaux Bridge
Nov. 3 @ Beau Chene
Make sure to listen to the St. Landry Parish Game of the Week live over the air on News Talk 98.5 FM — The Talk of Acadiana or by downloading the free News Talk 98.5 FM mobile app.