Edwards, Central poised for 2022 success

Sid Edwards is one of the most accomplished coaches in Louisiana.

Edwards is in the rare club of those coaches who have posted 200 victories in their illustrious careers, now with 201 wins and counting.

Now in his 16th year as the head coach at Central, Edwards has enjoyed great success in his career, most notably at Redemptorist.

Edwards also served as the head coach at Jesuit for one season.

The coaching record of Edwards is superb.

The coaching tree of Edwards is even more impressive, with 24 of his former players and assistant coaches ascending to head coaching positions in either football or basketball.

Remarkably, Edwards has not only served as the head football coach at Central but even served briefly as head basketball coach, a very unusual parlay but an example of his vast abilities and dedication to his craft and to his school. Edwards also served as athletic director for several years.

Edwards has coached two football state champions and one in basketball as well.

Central enjoyed a good season in 2021, going 7-3 and earning the sixth seed in the Class 5A state playoffs.

The good season had a bad ending with an upset loss to No. 27 Denham Springs, 42-14, in the opening round of the postseason.

While Central has key players to replace, including quarterback Jonathan Swift, wide receiver Calvin Collier and defensive back Caleb Ward, there is a bevy of experience talent on hand as the Wildcats return 15 starters from a year ago.

That includes eight on offense.

Senior running back Glen Cage (5-10, 215) leads the way. Cage rushed for over 1,000 yards with 17 touchdowns a year ago. Cage has an offer from Alabama State.

Senior wide receiver Gavin Vaccaro (5-11, 200) is back as well to pick up the slack for Collier.

Junior Aiyden Wilkinson (6-5, 200) is awfully talented and is a hybrid player who can line up at wide receiver or tight end.

Wilkinson is joined by senior Jevon Washington (6-0, 210) and junior Damon Blocker (5-11, 180), giving the position outstanding size.

The clear strength of the offense is up front, where all five starters return.

That includes seniors Brody Arteita (6-0, 220), Kaiden Lang (5-10, 265) and Tyler Prejean (6-3, 255), along with juniors Andrew Richard (6-5, 250) and Waylon Bennett (6-1, 245).

The new quarterback is junior Tyler Fortney (6-0, 165).

The defense returns seven starters.

The strength of the unit is up front, where all four starters return and all are seniors. They include Colby Williams (5-11, 270), Donte Cryer (6-0m 250), Brandon Baker (6-0, 285) and Justin Hilliard (6-4, 215).

Senior Caden Cooley (5-9 190) returns at linebacker and he will be joined by senior Tyler Ward Roberts (6-0, 180).

The secondary features a pair of returning starters, including Jamarius Jarvis (6-1, 175) and Jacob Tullier (5-10, 190). Joining the duo are senior Dre’ Jarvis (5-10, 165), Jacob Tullier (5-10, 190) and Kameron Triplett (6-2, 185) who has a Grambling offer.

The kicker is sophomore Nathan Zimmer (6-0, 150), Tullier is the punter and Triplett is the primary return man.

The schedule opens at home against Tara on Sept. 2 before three straight road games at West Feliciana, Slidell and East Jefferson. The final non-district game is at home against Capitol.

District 4-5A play begins on Sept. 7 at home against talented Scotlandville.

Then comes a gauntlet with a trip to defending Division I state champion Catholic of Baton Rouge, followed by a home game against defending Class 5A state champion Zachary. A trip to Woodlawn of Baton Rouge is the week nine contest and the regular season concludes at home against Liberty.

With one of the top coaches in Louisiana and with a substantial amount of talent returning, Central if poised to eclipse the level it reached a year ago in the 5A playoffs.

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