CCHS duo selected for international game in Ireland

The prep football season may have ended earlier this month, but two Central Catholic Eagles will be participating in exhibition activity as they look to impress colleges.
Bailey Badeaux, a running back/fullback/slot receiver and D.J. Hebert, a center, will participate with the American Football Worldwide Elite select football team that will play Ireland’s national U19 team in Dublin, Ireland, April 8, 2017.
Through a recruiting service, Badeaux and a friend, Billy Baker of Christian Life Academy in Baton Rouge, were among 2,500 athletes who were considered before the list was narrowed to 80 athletes. Both were the lone Louisiana representatives selected.
Badeaux encouraged Hebert, his teammate and friend who wants to play college football, to submit film for an opportunity to play, and Hebert was chosen as an alternate. However, he will receive playing time.
Badeaux concluded his senior season as a first-team All-District 7-1A selection as an athlete.
“He was kind of like a Swiss Army knife for us,” Central Catholic Coach Tommy Minton said. “He played on offense. He played tailback, fullback, slot receiver, H-back. We moved him all around, and whatever we asked him to do, he excelled at it.”
Minton said Badeaux is a physical and tough football player.
“He played four ballgames this year with a cast on his hand that a lot of players would’ve chosen not to play, and his work ethic always carried him through,” Minton said.
Badeaux, who was selected for three additional postseason all-star games, said it is a big honor to go to these games, and he said he feels blessed for these opportunities.
“Coach Minton taught me a long time ago (that) dedication and hard work really pays off, and he sure is right,” Badeaux said.
Badeaux also was invited to participate in the NUC All-American Game in Atlanta, Georgia, Dec. 30, the Max Emfinger All-American Bowl Game in Hammond Dec. 31 and the NUC Texas vs. World Game in DeSoto, Texas, Feb. 9.
According to his father, Billy Badeaux, Bailey Badeaux has received mail from numerous colleges.
Hebert, a first-team All-District 7-1A offensive line selection a year ago, was unable to play as a senior.
He said he is honored to play for Team USA in Ireland.
“This is a big deal right here,” Hebert said. “I’m very blessed to be (able) to play up there on this team, because I couldn’t play my senior year, and it really hurt the team a lot and Coach Minton that I couldn’t play.”
Hebert said he thought it would be a good experience, and he thinks he will have a lot of colleges looking at him through the experience.
When he started working with Hebert, Minton said his young football player was “overweight and pudgy,” but he got into shape.
Minton said Hebert developed into a solid center.
“He’s another one when you look at him, his run blocking is what carries him through,” Minton said. “He’s a very physical run blocker. He’s got a little ways to go with his pass protection, but a kid his size, he’s got really good feet and really good tenacity. He stays after his blocks, and that’s what people notice about him when they look at film is he stays after people.”
Anyone interested in sponsoring Badeaux and Hebert can drop off donations at Central Catholic High School, call 985-399-3991 or the duo can pick them up. Checks should be made payable to American Football Worldwide.