By LEE BRECHEEN, Louisiana Football Magazine
Calvary Baptist has had its share of great FBS football players come through its program over the years like quarterback Shea Patterson (Michigan), cornerback Greedy Williams (LSU), cornerback-athlete Brandon Wilson (Houston), cornerback Rodarius Williams (Oklahoma State), and most recently quarterback Landry Lyddy (Louisiana Tech).
Then you have sleeper players over the years, a longer list. The latest addition: Calvary’s three-year starting linebacker Cade Bedgood, an upcoming senior, who is the heart and soul of the defense for another talented Calvary team in 2022.
Players like Bedgood are the reason high school football in Louisiana is such a great sport with guys who play the game 100 percent and play every play with passion and determination.
Bedgood has amassed over 140 tackles (51 solo), eight sacks and four caused fumbles for his program since 2020.
I hope Bedgood gets an opportunity to play football at a small college when it’s all said and done. This is someone who runs at a “football speed” colleges are looking for at the Division III and Division II level.
Even though he’s not very big at 5-11 and 200 pounds at linebacker, he has room to grow and play a few spots in college at linebacker, safety or fullback for many small colleges and could be a very productive player in time if given a shot at an FCS college like a Northwestern State, Grambling, Southeastern, McNeese State or Nicholls.
Linebackers coach Cade Maxwell likes Bedgood’s enthusiasm.
“Cade Bedgood is the definition of toughness,” said Maxwell. “Cade has been through a lot since his time here at Calvary Baptist Academy. Can’t say enough about how fun and enthusiastic he is every day, whether in the weight room or on the field; he works his tail off and does everything the right way. He also epitomizes the way we want to play defense here at Calvary Baptist Academy, with grit, relentless effort, and selflessness.”
Bedgood likes everything about playing football.
“I love football because I love the excitement it gives me walking on the field together with my teammates and coaches, the sacrifices, and all the hard work that goes into the game,” said Bedgood. “I have been playing football since I was 6 years old. From playing in the back yard to playing under the Friday night lights, it doesn’t get much better.”
NOTES ON CADE BEDGOOD: Away from football, he is an avid outdoorsman. “The reason I like duck hunting is because there is nothing like watching the sun rise and seeing a bunch of mallards flying in. Laughing and joking around with the guys in the duck blinds.
“I love fishing, whether it’s bream, catfishing, running yo-yos, running trot lines with my mom and (brother) Cole, to bass fishing and deep-sea fishing with family and friends. I also like to fish by myself because it gives me time to relax and unwind.”
His dad (Michael) played football (linebacker, running back) for St. Mary’s in Natchitoches and also participated in track and field (high jump and 4×100 meters). He also played for Northwestern State in track and field (pole vault and javelin) and football as a linebacker.
“My brother Cole Bedgood played football (linebacker) and wrestled at Calvary Baptist Academy.”
Bedgood scored a 21 on his ACT and carries a 3.24 GPA.
His favorite colleges are Louisiana Tech, ULM and Northwestern State.
“I plan on majoring in criminal justice, and after college I’m going to be a game warden,” said Bedgood.
GET YOUR ORDER IN: For previews of every Louisiana high school and college football team, info on the state’s top senior prospects, and more, you can pre-order the 2022 Louisiana Football Magazine at LaFootballMagazine.com – offering North Louisiana and South Louisiana editions, printed or digital.
Contact Lee at lbrecheen@aol.com
