Forgive Willie Brooks and Mark King if they’re looking a little past spring practice at Helen Cox and Vandebilt Catholic, respectively.

Bradley Handwerger

Cox's Chris Martin is tackled by Jordan Ezell (30) and Charles Price (22).

Brooks and King have been selected to coach the Louisiana side in the Bayou Bowl, the annual Louisiana-Texas High School football showdown in June.

It’s the first selection for both, and a testament to how far each have taken their programs in short periods of time.

For Brooks, Cox finished its third year of LHSAA sports by reaching the second round in the Class 4A playoffs, losing to King’s Vandebilt club.

“It’s an honor that people recognize the work we’ve done in a short period of time,” Brooks said.

Cox wide receiver Chris Martin will join Brooks, becoming the third Cox player in two years to play. Jared Miles and John Weber were invited a year ago.

Playing from the New Orleans area are Independence linebacker Devin Jones, St. James running back Luther Ambrose, St. Augustine defensive end Corey Wright, Franklinton defensive back Brandon Taylor, Curtis safety P.J. Smith, McDonogh 35 defensive tackle Derrick Dean, St. James defensive tackle Casey Narcisse and Vandebilt defensive tackle Joel Ross.

Also invited were Lutcher quarterback Blaine Gautier, Franklinton receiver Jhyryn Taylor, Kentwood receiver Alfred Franklin and Curtis center Bryan Munch.

But for Brooks, the acknowledgement of being selected has made his winter. Coaches found out in November, and they recently selected their roster.

“I know guys who have been coaching 20 years (and haven’t coached in the game),” Brooks said. “It’s very rare.”

As for King, the selection is reward for 12 years of hard work, he said.

“It’s a testament to my work ethic over the last 12 years,” King said. “I feel like I’ve been able to build a pretty solid name for myself,” King said. “It’s a payoff for all the long hours and days of work.”

He’ll take the opportunity to get inside the heads of some “great coaches.”

“One of the main things you get is the ability to surround yourself with great football coaches,” King said. “It allows you to look at things a different way. I’m there to have fun, but I want to pick the brains of coaches up there.”

The game is June 7 at 8 p.m. in Baytown, Texas.