Report: LHSAA rules Opelousas to be stripped of 2023 state football title

The Louisiana High School Athletic Association has penalized the Opelousas High School football program.

As a result of the LHSAA investigative findings, the school will be stripped of all of their wins from 2023 including the Division II Non-Select State Championship. Opelousas head football coach Jimmy Zachery also faces a one-year suspension. The penalties are pending, and an Opelousas appeal may be forthcoming.

The violations center around the use of an ineligible player.

On the field, Opelousas went 12-3 last season and defeated Cecilia in the state title game, 26-13. Whether the wins including the championship will be considered vacated or forfeited is unknown. If the games are forfeits, Cecilia could be awarded the state championship.