Opelousas High School can once again say they are state champions in football. In February, the LHSAA stripped the school of its title over the alleged use of an ineligible player last season, but coach Jimmy Zachery says an agreement with the LHSAA brings the title back to Opelousas.
“Shout out to the LHSAA, because it could have gone a whole other way, but cool heads prevailed and we came to a mutual agreement. We got our championship back, and the kids got what they deserved. We got what we earned,” Zachery said.
In December, Opelousas won its first state championship in football when it defeated Cecilia 26-13. In late February, the LHSAA stripped Opelousas of its title. Zachery thanks the school board and St. Landry Parish Superintendent Milton Batiste who had his back.
“The support was always there… You go through the community, you’ve got people saying they’re with you. They’re with you 100 percent, keep fighting,” Zachery said.
Zachery will remain on probation for one year, but will be allowed to coach the team in 2024. He says his main concern was making sure Opelousas retained a championship it rightfully deserved.
“There’s a lot of negatives that are surrounding our community. To have some positive sign, some bright light shine on our city, to get it back, it’s real thrilling,” Zachery said.
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