Bradford’s way of helping Blazers grow

Last season produced a series of firsts for Lake Charles College Prep football, which not only notched the first win in program history, but also earned a playoff berth and won a first round game against Montgomery.

This season the Trailblazers face another hurdle with a move up to Class 3A from 1A. Cornerback Shane Bradford is ready to accept the challenge.

“I know players from a lot of the teams we will be playing, personally,” he said. “It’s not a big deal playing against them.”

Bradford said the Blazers are used to having doubters.

“Last year everyone was telling us we couldn’t win,” he said. “It was a big relief when we able to prove them wrong. 

“We had to hear it over and over again. We want to prove everyone wrong again. We just have to play the same way as we have been playing and give up fewer points.”

Bradford already has an eye on a matchup against defending district champion Iowa.

“I am looking forward to that one,” he said. “I play on the same 7-on-7 team as (Iowa receiver) Markail Nixon. We both talk a lot so it should be fun.”

The LCCP scheme features a lot of man-to-man coverage, a situation Bradford relishes.

“I play a big role on the defense, about 90 percent of the time. I am matched with the opponent’s best receiver,” he said. “Man-to-man coverage is my biggest strength. I love it. It is just me and you to see who wins.”

Bradford won his share of battles as a sophomore last season, making five interceptions and 45 tackles. One of the interceptions came in the season opener against Delta Charter. Bradford said a bigger thrill came two weeks later when the Blazers beat South Cameron for their first win after 11 losses over two seasons.

“Everyone was so happy and crying; that was a great feeling,” he said. “After that, we just took it week by week.”

Bradford said he learned a lot from taking lumps as a freshman, when the Blazers went winless.

“I learned that weights and knowledge go a long way,” he said. “Last year I was bigger, stronger and faster. This summer I have been working hard in 7-on-7 and with our defensive backs coach (Fred Abraham).”

Bradford said the 7-on-7 games are a great teaching tool.

“It moves a lot faster than the high school games,” he said. “It is a lot more physical. It makes you a better player.”

Bradford said he expects to see some time on offense this season, but considers defense his home.

“Playing receiver will be fun, you get to score instead of just trying to stop someone,” he said. “But, I like defense better. I like the contact.”

LCCP head coach Erick Franklin said Bradford has become a team leader.

“I love his work ethic and that he always has a positive attitude,” Franklin said. “He does work on his own with a trainer three or four times a week. He puts in the work.”