Opelousas football outlast Cecilia in a Week 8 thriller between rivals

Every time Opelousas and Cecilia football face off, you'd better grab some popcorn.

The 2026 meeting between the Tigers and Bulldogs was another production, as momentum shifted all night long in the Week 8 matchup.

The Opelousas sideline went through a flurry of emotions with the lead changing countless time at Donald Garnder Staduim. Nearly 100 points scored later, the Tigers were the ones to come out on top, sneaking past the Bulldogs for a 50-48 victory.

"This rivalry is rich, and we knew we had to help the seniors win this with this being the final home game of the regular season," Opelousas running back Joseph Clues said. "We had to secure the win, and we just executed the plays that coach gave us."

It wasn't a pretty victory for Opelousas, but it'll go down as statement win, handing Cecilia its first loss in district play. With this win, the Tigers have now opened the doors for a possible three-way tie for the Class 4A District 5 championship.

Fans could tell Opelousas was eager to face off against Cecilia after last year's disappointing loss. On Cecilia's first offensive play of the drive, Opelousas senior Jaylon Owens landed a big hit on the Bulldogs quarterback, forcing a fumble. That set the tone for the rest of the night for the Tigers.

Owens went on to be the Tigers' leading receivers, tallying approximately 100 yards, a touchdown and three 2-point conversions. Whenever senior quarterback Collin Rideau needed an outlet, Owens was there along with senior Caden Arvie, who finished with approximately 80 yards receiving and a touchdown.

The star of the Tigers' offense however, was Clues, who didn't start the game due to being a bit banged up from last week.

"He was nursing some injuries, but he gave me the sign that he was good to go," Opelousas coach Harry Coleman said on Clues. "He warmed up real good, and he got out there and he showed what he is, man. He's the workhorse of this team, and we're gonna ride him."

Clues ran all night long, rushing for approximately 245 yards and four touchdowns on 28 carries. If the Bulldogs gave him a sliver of room, he squeezed through for big play after big play.

Dirty laundry was a theme of the matchup for both teams with Opelousas racking up double-digit penalties in the first half alone. While the Tigers had more penalties against them, the penalties against Cecilia proved more costly in such a close game.

"We left a lot on the table, and I'm sure they think the same way, but just the little things that hurt us when it's time," Cecilia coach Cody Champange said. "If we would have caught the 2-point conversion, if we don't muff the punt. We've got to clean those things up in a game like this."

In defeat, the Bulldogs never quit, with senior running back Deondre Briscoe leading their scoring with four rushing touchdowns. With this loss, Cecilia will have to now beat Carencro to force a three-way tie for district championship between itself, the Golden Bears and the Tigers.

Shannon Belt covers high school sports and the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns for The Daily Advertiser as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow her high school and Cajuns coverage on Twitter: @ShannonBelt3. Got questions regarding HS/UL athletics? Send them to Shannon Belt at sbelt@gannett.com.