By Matt Vines, DeSoto Parish Journal

STONEWALL – Opelousas. 

The name doesn’t drum up football tradition, but the No. 12 seed Tigers will be trying write their own history when they visit No. 1 seed North DeSoto on Friday in Division II Non-Select semifinals. 

The winner will earn the right to play for a state title in the Caesars Superdome, a place that the Griffins (11-1) experienced heartbreak in last year, and somewhere that Opelousas (10-3) has never been. 

It appeared North DeSoto’s path to the Dome would have to go through Lutcher, the team that orchestrated a late rally to deny the Griffins their first-ever state title. 

But Opelousas’ late surge sparked by a fake punt propelled the Tigers past the defending state champion Lutcher in the quarters (26-10 score). Opelousas has made just three playoff appearances since 2004 and is making its first semifinals appearance since 1994. 

While North DeSoto’s recent history is significantly more decorated, the Griffins are still trying to earn statewide recognition as a force with staying power in Division II. 

“It’s the semifinals. Everyone is good,” said North DeSoto coach Dennis Dunn when asked if his players had to recalibrate after their likely expectations of a Lutcher rematch. “The fact that Opelousas beat Lutcher speaks for itself. 

“They have size and are physical up front. We’re hoping to offset that with our tempo.” 

The rematch factor wasn’t a factor against Iowa, whom North DeSoto vanquished in the semifinals this past season, 38-9. 

An inexperienced North DeSoto defensive line has gelled over the course of the season, and its ability to take on blocks and free up a talented linebacking corps to make plays will be key in slowing down a powerful Opelousas rushing attack. 

Seniors Michael Loupe and CJ Davis along with juniors Ka’el Davis and Javon Brown will be tasked with plugging holes and filling gaps. 

They were up to snuff against ground-and-pound Iowa, who rushed for just 141 yards in a 45-21 North DeSoto win. The score was closer than the actual game as the Griffins took a 31-0 lead in the second quarter. 

“Our defensive line has gotten better each week,” Dunn said of a defense that’s allowed an average of 14.6 points over the last 10 games after surrendering more than 50 points in each of its first two games. “The trenches will be a war this week.” 

Opelousas running back D’Shaun Ford and quarterback Zackeus Malveaux spearhead an offense that’s gone on the road to knock off No. 5 West Feliciana and No. 4 Lutcher in the past two weeks. 

Even more stalwart is the Tigers’ defense, which has allowed just 30 points in three playoff games.  

That will likely change against the high-octane Griffins, who feature a balanced attack that rolled up 278 passing yards and 164 rushing yards against Iowa. 

Quarterback Luke Delafield distributes the ball to 1,000-yard receivers Cole Cory and Landry Wyatt and hands off to 1,000-yard rushers Trysten Hopper and Kenny Thomas. 

While special teams sparked Opelousas’ surge this past week against Lutcher, the North DeSoto special teams unit has provided fuel for the Griffins in these playoffs. 

Corbyn Cross returned a kickoff for a touchdown against Iowa after a near return touchdown (Cole Cory) and forced turnover on special teams started the rout of DeRidder in the second round. 

“Special teams has been a huge factor for us all year,” Dunn said. “Coach Bo Odom does a tremendous kob for us in this facet of the game. 

“He prepares unlike anyone I’ve ever been around.” 

Opelousas will be playing its third straight road game in the playoffs, similar to the road warriors North DeSoto became this past season as the Griffins won in the second round and semifinals away from home.