The 2026 high school baseball season is right around the corner, and as always, excitement is building across the Bayou State. Programs from every corner of Louisiana have been hard at work this offseason—honing skills, building chemistry, and setting their sights on a return trip to Sulphur for the LHSAA State Championships. As is tradition, the state is once again loaded with talent, from seasoned veterans to rising underclassmen ready to make their mark.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll take an in-depth look at teams from every region as part of our comprehensive season preview series. These previews will lead right up to Opening Day, followed by the release of our Power 25 Rankings and the return of our always-popular Game of the Week feature.

Throughout the spring, Prep Baseball Louisiana will continue to be your one-stop source for everything related to high school baseball across the state. Be sure to check back weekly for our Player and Pitcher of the Week honors, updated Power 25 Rankings, and plenty of additional coverage highlighting the stories, performances, and programs that make Louisiana baseball special.

*Please note that all information is based on team preview questionnaires that were sent out and returned by the participating high school coaches.  If you have not received a questionnaire and would like to fill one out, please email State Director Alex Armand at [email protected]

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High School Name: Opelousas Catholic School

Head Coach: Justin Boyd

Classification: Class 1A (Select D-IV)

District: 5-1A

2025 Record: 21-12

2025 Playoff Finish: State Quarterfinalist

No. of Returning Positional Starters: 6

No. of Returning Pitchers: 4

Team Strengths: Pitching

Top Upperclassmen (2026 & 2027 Class): 2026 OF/RHP Kross Gillen (LSU-Eunice), 2026 LHP/OF Carter Stelly (LSU-Eunice), 2026 UTIL John Parker Trahan, 2026 RHP Maurice Marcel, 2026 RHP/INF Ethan Little, 2027 C Myles Collins (Troy), 2027 RHP Lane Dugas, 2027 RHP/INF Hunter Doucet

Top Underclassmen (2028 & 2029 Class): 2029 OF Evan Duplechain, 

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Team Outlook

The Opelousas Catholic Vikings enter the 2026 season with a clear identity: tough, experienced, and built around pitching. After a strong 2025 campaign that ended in the quarterfinals, this group returns a battle-tested core of seniors and impact underclassmen who have logged meaningful innings and high-leverage at-bats. If the lineup can take the next step in consistency and confidence, the Vikings have the makeup of a team capable of a deep postseason run.

Team Strengths

-Pitching Depth & Toughness: The Vikings’ biggest strength lies on the mound, where they return multiple arms who have proven they can handle pressure situations. There’s versatility throughout the staff, with several pitchers also contributing defensively and offensively, allowing Coach Boyd to mix and match based on matchups.

Team Weaknesses

Offensive Consistency: While the lineup has talent and experience, the next step is stringing together quality at-bats night after night. Confidence and execution—especially with runners on base—will be key factors in determining how far this team goes.

Top Returning Players

-Junior C Myles Collins: A member of the 2025 Prep Baseball Future Games team, Collins hit .383 with 23 RBI in 2025 and serves as the backbone of the defense. He controls the game behind the plate with maturity beyond his years and pairs that with a reliable bat. His toughness and consistency set the tone for the Vikings.

 

-Senior LHP/1B Carter Stelly: A senior leader and true two-way contributor, Stelly posted a .311 average with 4 HR and 40 RBI while also logging 50 IP with a 2.52 ERA. His mound presence, versatility, and ability to drive in runs make him one of the most impactful players on the roster.

 

-Senior INF John Parker Trahan: Trahan returns as a cornerstone of the lineup after hitting .347 with 10 doubles, 31 RBI, and 35 runs. A middle-of-the-order bat with confidence and leadership, he anchors the infield and provides steady offensive production.

 

-Senior OF/RHP Kross Gillen: A high-competitor who thrives in big moments, Gillen logged 46.2 IP last season and is trusted with the ball in the toughest games. He also brings power potential at the plate and a commanding presence on both sides of the ball.

 

-Senior RHP Maurice Marcel: Returning as a senior, Marcel finished 2025 with a 4-4 record and a 3.22 ERA. He brings quality stuff, confidence, and leadership to a pitching staff that values reliability and competitiveness.

-Junior RHP/INF Lane Dugas: A junior who adds valuable depth, Dugas went 5-1 with 3 saves and a 2.36 ERA over 32.2 IP. New to the lineup, he brings toughness, versatility, and a fearless mindset that fits the Vikings’ identity.

 

-Junior RHP/INF Hunter Doucet: A true utility piece, Doucet can impact the game in multiple infield spots and out of the bullpen. His flexibility allows the coaching staff to deploy him wherever he’s needed most.

-Freshman OF/LHP Evan Duplechain: Despite being just an eight grader last spring, Duplechain made an impact in 2025, posting a .457 OBP with 28 walks. A tough, disciplined at-bat and competitive edge highlight his game as he splits time between the outfield and the mound.

 

-Senior RHP/INF Ethan Little: A new addition to the roster, Little is a dependable arm out of the bullpen who brings toughness and reliability in key situations.

Outlook

The 2026 Opelousas Catholic Vikings are a hard-nosed, fast-playing baseball team defined by experience and toughness. With senior leaders who command the mound and drive the offense, along with underclassmen who play fearlessly, this group brings energy and intensity every inning. Their blend of pitching depth, defensive versatility, speed, and competitive at-bats makes them a team no opponent can overlook. If the offense takes a step forward in consistency, expect the Vikings to be a serious factor in the Select Division IV postseason.

 

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SHOWCASE	DATE	LOCATION
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