Ouachita Christian prepares to defend state title

When you broach the topic of Ouachita Christian football, you immediately focus on the championship pedigree of the program.

The Eagles have now won eight state championships after defeating Vermilion Catholic, 28-14, in the Select Division IV title game in 2022 in Caesars Superdome.

In 26 seasons as head coach, Steven Fitzhugh is responsible for six of those titles.

Fitzhugh took over the OCS program in 1998. He has posted an impeccable 240-78 record (75.4% wins).

He inherited a team which had won a state championship in 1997. Suffice it to say that Fitzhugh was not intimidated by the success and expectations. Fitzhugh has embraced the challenge and only grown the elite program even more.

As always, OCS must replace talented players with Landon Graves, Broc Hogan and Breaux LaCroix now at ULM.

There are a host of talented players returning.

Offensively, senior running back Zach White (6-0, 185) returns after rushing for 1,063 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2022. White will play defensive back as well.

Junior John Turner (5-8, 185) will see time at running back and at linebacker.

Senior wide receiver Tate Hamby (6-2, 180) had a great season as well, catching 53 passes for 826 yards and eight touchdowns, earning All-State honors. Hamby, who will also play defensive back, is committed to Vanderbilt. Senior Jett Hudnall (6-1, 175) is another two-way player who will see time at wide receiver and defensive back. Senior Drew Dougan (6-1, 185) is an excellent athlete at wide receiver and linebacker.

Up front, a pair of stars return in senior Ryder Bentley (6-6, 270), who earned All-State recognition last season and doubles at defensive end. Senior Ben Devall (6-3, 240) is a two way star who had 102 tackles last season, including eight sacks, earning All-State recognition. Senior Drew Mosher (5-9, 260) is another two-way star and returning starter. Sophomore Micah Mosher (5-8, 190) is solid as well, another returning starter.

The new starter at quarterback is sophomore Luke Vidrine (5-9, 145), who steps into large shoes at the most important position on the field.

Defensively, senior linebacker Noah Lovelady (6-1, 200) is a tackling machine, coming off a season of 145 tackles, including five sacks and three interceptions in earning All-State honors. Senior linebacker Maddox King (6-0, 170) will start and should be very productive.

The kicker is sophomore Gavin Polk (6-0, 145).

The schedule is daunting.

The Eagles will face three defending state champions, along with a strong 5A team and a 4A opponent.

OCS opens on the road at defending state champion Dallas Christian before traveling to face rival and defending Division IV Non-Select state champion Oak Grove. Home games with Mansfield and Tensas follow before District 2-1A play opens at St. Frederick.

Another very difficult road trip follows at another defending state champion in Harding Academy in Monticello, Arkansas. A home district game is next against Cedar Creek. After entertaining Class 4A Grant, the Eagles conclude the regular season at home in district play against Lincoln Prep.

Given the track record of the coach and program, expect the Eagles to fly high again in 2023.

Click here for more CCS Prep Football team previews (including archives of past season previews).