Photo By: Brad Bowie
In a thrilling rematch, the Opelousas football team narrowly defeated Cecilia, clinching a 28-27 victory on Friday night. The stakes were high, recalling last season's LHSAA Division II Non-Select State Championship, where Opelousas triumphed over Cecilia. This game held similar intensity, as both teams fought hard, knowing that their playoff aspirations were on the line.
“This victory is monumental for us as it serves as our district championship,” said Opelousas senior running back D’Shaun Ford. “We’re focused on pushing through the rest of the district after this critical win.”
Tigers Dominate the Ground Game
Opelousas made their mark with an impressive ground attack, igniting their home crowd with every successful play. Senior running back D’Shaun Ford consistently proved to be a force, accumulating approximately 250 rushing yards, including an electrifying 75-yard touchdown that energized the stands.
Coach Jimmy Zachery highlighted Ford’s importance, stating, “He’s our bell cow, and we’re relying on him to lead us.” The offensive effort was bolstered by quarterback Zackieus Malveaux and junior running back Cody Majors, with Majors scoring the Tigers' first touchdown from 12 yards out.
Although Malveaux only attempted seven passes, he played a crucial role in the rushing offense, scoring two touchdowns himself. His determination was evident in a pivotal moment late in the game when the team faced a fourth-and-7 situation. Coach Zachery recounted, “We told him he needed to keep the clock running. He responded, saying, ‘I’m going to get the first down.’ His determination sealed the game for us.”
Bulldogs Show Grit Until the End
Cecilia was undeterred, with senior quarterback Diesel Solari leading a resilient charge. The Bulldogs matched the Tigers’ scoring efforts, thanks to Solari’s ability to orchestrate drives under pressure. He finished with nearly 200 passing yards and three touchdown throws, connecting with Ellis Stewart for two scores and Brent Gordon for another.
Coach Dennis Skains praised Solari’s tenacity, saying, “He’s a warrior who played nearly the entire game on both offense and defense. We’re fortunate to have him on our team.” Alongside his passing, Solari also rushed for a critical five-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, positioning the Bulldogs for a potential tie or win.
In a bold decision, Skains opted for a two-point conversion following the touchdown, placing his trust in the offense and Solari to capitalize on their momentum. However, the attempt ultimately fell short, resulting in a narrow defeat.
“I felt we had the momentum and trusted our players to execute,” Skains reflected. “While we came up short, the effort was there, and that’s on me.”
As the dust settled on a fiercely contested matchup, Opelousas celebrated a vital victory, while Cecilia looks ahead, determined to regroup and finish the season strong. Both teams remain poised for a competitive end to the season as they navigate their respective paths.
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