Hilton set to take Central job
Central High School head football coach and Athletic Director Sid Edwards said Wednesday that Scotlandville head coach Ken Hilton is set to become the Wildcats’ defensive coordinator.
“Ken has met with our principal and met with me and, of course, it’s always pending school board approval,” Edwards said. “But he is the guy we want, so there won’t be any problem with that.
“We’re thrilled to have Ken. We’re getting a great football coach and an even better person. He’s a family man who cares about doing the right thing for kids.”
Hilton moves to Central after spending two years as the Wildcats’ District 4-5A rival Scotlandville, leading the the Hornets to an 8-3 record and a berth in the Class 5A playoffs last fall. It was Scotlandville’s best season on the 5A level and netted Hilton Coach of the Year honors on The Advocate’s All-Metro team for Classes 5A-4A.
Before going to Scotlandville, Hilton had stints as a head coach at his alma mater, Baker High School, and at McKinley. He spent three seasons at Baker, rebuilding the program to finish 10-2 in 2006, including a berth in the Class 3A quarterfinals. Hilton also served as defensive coordinator at Plaquemine and Redemptorist.
“The thing I like about Central is that the staff is more like a family, which is what we had at Scotlandville,” Hilton said. “That part really appealed to me.
“I feel like I left things at Scotlandville better than when I got there. “The team was winning,
fans were coming to the games and there’s money in the bank.”
Hilton said he met with Scotlandville Principal Howard Davis on Monday to inform him of his decision and met with the Hornet players on Tuesday. Davis declined comment.
“I have had a conversation with coach Hilton,” Davis said. “But I have no comment until I get something in writing from Human Resources. Once I have something in writing, I’ll be happy to talk about it.”
Hilton, who has a career record of 34-27 as head coach, said he felt the move was the best one in light of changes that will leave Scotlandville seeking a staff of assistants along with a head coach.
“It’s been tough the last few weeks,” Hilton said. “When we met in December, Mr. Davis told me he wanted to go in a different direction with the staff. So I’ve been one of two football coaches on the campus.
“Given the circumstances, I felt like it was best for me to move on and give the kids a chance to start fresh with a new head coach. They deserve the best opportunities they can get.”