It was all about the defenses in the first half between two state championship programs in the Zachary Broncos and the Opelousas Tigers. In fact, it was all defense as the game was scoreless in the first half, but the Broncos’ offense finally found their rhythm late in the second half to scrape out a 24-6 win over the Tigers.
The Tigers got their only touchdown and actually took the lead in the third quarter at 6-3 when their star running back D’Shaun Ford scored on a 78 yard touchdown run, but after that point, it was 21 unanswered points in the fourth and final quarter that helped Zachary improve their record to 3-1 on the season.
The running back combination of Nate James and Da’vekio Ruffin combined to have all three rushing touchdowns in the win. For the Broncos, Ruffin led the way with 52 yards on 15 carries, while James added 38 yards on 11 attempts. Wide receiver Jaiden Cockerham led the Broncos with five receptions for 71 yards.
What stifled the Tigers’ offense was the early exit of quarterback Zack Malveaux, who had to leave the game because of injury. Since his departure from the game, the Tigers only managed one first down.
Malveaux was 4 of 9 for 116 yards and ran the ball 13 times for 33 yards while wide receiver Korey Fontenot caught four passes for 84 yards. Finally, D’Shaun Ford, who accounted for the only score tonight for the Tigers finished the game with 121 yards on 17 attempts and was held in check besides the long touchdown run.
Special teams definitely played a part in this game as well as Zachary had three field goals blocked in the first half, but the Broncos also had two punt blocks from Donovan Beathley in what was a Jekyll and Hyde type of game.
Led by David Brewerton, the Broncos are starting to pick up some steam and will look to continue that momentum with district play starting against Scotlandville.
Meanwhile, the Opelousas Tigers led by head coach Jimmy Zachery are looking to bounce back and will try to improve their record to 2-3 next week against Natchitoches Central.
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