Alexandria QB Judd Barton Cherishes Every Opportunity During Incredibly Productive High School Career

by Trent Schachter

For anyone who has had the chance to watch Judd Barton play football, it quickly becomes apparent the kid can flat out ball.

In a year of uncertainty and tribulation, Alexandria High School’s Judd Barton led the Trojans to the Class 5A State Championship game. Now by no means was this accomplishment just handed to the Trojans, it was earned. Barton and the Trojans battled each week against one of the most competitive districts the state of Louisiana has to offer.

Barton may not have left the state championship the way he and his team intended to, but when asked about what it was like to be on the main stage he told me this.

“You can’t put it into words," Barton said. "To hear the whole community supporting us throughout the game was special.”

Regardless of the outcome, Barton cherished the opportunity to be at that game and on the field with his teammates and coaches.

During Barton’s time at Alexandria he shared the field with LSU defensive end Jacobian Guillory and TCU safety Bud Clark.

When asked what it was like to play against athletes of that caliber, he shared.

"It was a big challenge for me with Jacobian coming off the line and Bud in the secondary. They really helped me gain a sense of urgency and awareness. I love competition so it was good for me. They both made me a better player."

Playing against these guys in practice every week certainly has prepared him for the next level.

Continuing, those guys weren’t the only people that helped Barton become the football player he is today. Head Coach Thomas Bachman has also had a positive impact on not just Barton and his football success, but he has also taught him some life lessons along the way.

When asked about his relationship with his coaches, Barton noted, “Coach Bachman has had a great impact on me. He’s helped me become a better leader and a better man.”

As Barton looks to continue his football career at the next level, he has been working on his ability to “make faster decisions and get his release in sync with his mind.”

He admits due to COVID-19, the recruiting process hasn’t been easy. Summing it up into one word: “Frustrating.”

He then went on to share, “Everything is up in the air with COVID. Right now, I am making the best of it all and trusting the process.”

With the conclusion of this year’s football season, he noted “it’s important to always find something to get better at.”

Like I said before, Barton’s success on the football field was earned, not given.

Trent Schachter is from San Luis Obispo, California and currently a senior at Louisiana State University. He is majoring in Sports Administration and minoring in Business. In high school, he was a 4-time All-American and the only swimmer in his school’s history to qualify for the State Championship in every event. Trent was recruited by the Tigers to become a Division I student-athlete and spent the last four years competing against the best in the SEC. Growing up in California, he became a huge Oakland Raiders fan from birth. Trent enjoys talking football, playing pickup basketball and welcomes all challenges from anyone who thinks they can outdo him in football trivia.