4. OPELOUSAS (Opelousas, La.), 25-12, Class 4A

Tigers coach Jamie Rollins has eight players who saw significant playing time back from a year ago and he can barely contain himself.

“At any time any one of those kids could start for me,” Rollins said. “That’s why I’m so excited.”

Leading the way is versatile 6-2 guard Kenon Lamb, a senior who can score points in bunches.

Then there is 6-0 point guard Cody Cerandigo, 6-2 small forward Kevin Johnson, the team’s defensive and rebounding specialist, 6-4 center Charles Rideaux, a great leaper and 6-0 shooting guard Justin Payne.

Rounding out the rotation are shooting guard Marcus Leday and Girard Bihm and forwards Rester Arby (6-4) and 6-3 brothers John and Quinton Leday.

And should he chose to rejoin the team after football, Daniel Baldridge, a 6-8 center, could add another dimension to Opelousas.

Last season a tough schedule (three losses to 4A champion Peabody-Alexandria and three to Northside-Lafayette) couldn’t get the Tigers past the first round of the Class 4A playoffs.

But another tough nondistrict schedule awaits, including a home game with Brother Martin-New Orleans (Nov. 26) and at Washington-Marion-Lake Charles (Nov. 29).