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Community devastated after Opelousas High football team forfeits state championship
"I was heartbroken," Opelousas resident and former OHS football player Benjamin Guillory said.
ST. LANDRY PARISH, La. (KLFY) -- A historic season for the Opelousas High School football team will be erased after the Louisiana High School Athletic Association denied the school's appeal to still be considered state champions.
"I was heartbroken," Opelousas resident and former OHS football player Benjamin Guillory said.
In February, the LHSAA released its results from an investigation into the Opelousas High School football team revealing the team used an illegal player, as well as other violations. As a result, the team was forced to forfeit the 2023 Division 2 Non-Select Title they won in December of 2023 against Cecilia High.
The school board appealed the ruling, but the LHSAA denied the appeal on Thursday night. St. Landry Parish Superintendent Milton Batiste III spoke on the appeal process and how they were anticipating a different outcome.
"I think we had our ducks in a row, and I think we had enough to have our appeal ruled in our favor. Obviously, that didn't happen," Batiste said.
The Opelousas community expressed how devastating this is for everyone.
Donald Young is another Opelousas resident who said the forfeit is a huge blow to the city.
"It was heartbreaking not only for the football team and for this entire school, but the city of Opelousas, because Opelousas High is a flagship of the parish," Young said.
"Just to know that they got it taken it away from them, we had the city parade out here. It was kind of like devastating," Guillory said.
On top of forfeiting all of last season's victories including the state title, Opelousas Coach Jimmy Zachery will have to face a one season suspension. Mayor Julius Alsandor shared his comments about the entire process.
"They beat four of the top ranked teams in the state of Louisiana. That can never be taken away from those kids and their coaches," Alsandor said.
The school may look to a third-party arbitrator for a final decision.