Opelousas Tigers
Coach: Jimmy Zachery
2019 Record: 3-7 (Missed Playoffs)
District: 6-4A
Notes: Zachery was the Defensive Coordinator at East Ascension in 2019
In St. Landry parish, you will see quite a few new faces at head coach. That includes at Opelousas High School, where the Jimmy Zachery era has begun.
"I never would've dreamed in a million years that I would be the head coach at my alma mater, Zachery said. "It's still surreal. I told my superintendent, the parish AD and the principal, my purpose is different. I really truly have a heart for my city and I want to see my city back on top where they need to be."
This is the dream job for Zachery. He played for the Tigers from 1997-2001. He wants to bring OHS back to it's heyday and soon.
"It's a sense of urgency for me," Zachery said. "I know what football can do to the community, to the economy. I was growing up when Larry Dauterive was the head coach. They were going 10-0, winning district, making quarterfinals and semifinals. Businesses were closed down to pack the stadium out. When you winning, the whole morale of your city is different."
Zachery inherits an OHS team that finished 3-7 in 2019. The Tigers did reach the playoffs in 2018, for the first time in over a decade. For the players, they're excited for what's ahead with their new leader.
I feel like Coach Zachery is a really outstanding coach," OHS defensive back Collin Reece Guillory said. "He treats us like we're one of his own. He goes all out for us. He really shows he cares."
"Since he's been here, a whole lot has changed," OHS linebacker Mark Thomas said. "A lot of attitudes have changed, a lot of mindsets have changed. Just overall the team has gotten better from practicing and working hard."
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