Central’s David Simoneaux Named GeauxPreps 5A Football Coach of the Year

by: Vincent Cacioppo // GeauxPreps.com Managing Editor

Central High School head coach David Simoneaux has been named the GeauxPreps Class 5A Coach of the Year after leading the Wildcats to their first state championship in 58 years.

In just his second season at Central, Simoneaux guided the Wildcats to an unforgettable 13-1 campaign, culminating in a dominant 42-0 victory over Ruston in the Division I non-select state championship game. The title marked the second in school history and Simoneaux’s second as a head coach, having previously won with another program.

“I’m certainly surprised,” Simoneaux said. “A ton of respect for coach Baugh and coach Williams and the type of program that they run. We knew it was going to be a war, a fistfight. We’re certainly proud and excited we were able to pull away and do the damage we did early.”

Central’s historic victory was one for the record books, achieving the largest margin of victory ever in a Division I/Class 5A state championship game and becoming only the second team to record a shutout in the title game at this level.

Reflecting on the journey, Simoneaux credited his players and coaching staff for buying into the process.

“It’s incredible,” Simoneaux said. “I wanted to build something from the ground up. I had no idea it was going to happen this fast, and we were going to have the right people around us to be able to do those things. It’s a pretty awesome feeling these guys were able to buy in and believe in everything we were doing. I feel like I’m a small part of it. These guys did all the heavy lifting.”

The Wildcats’ defense, led by standout players like Houston signee DK Mays, was instrumental in limiting Ruston to just 90 total yards, a Class 5A championship record. On offense, quarterback Jackson Firmin delivered a masterclass, throwing for five touchdowns and earning Most Outstanding Player honors.

“Our goal for us was to play our best football in Week 15,” Simoneaux said, “and I think we did that.”

Under Simoneaux’s leadership, Central has re-emerged as a powerhouse in Louisiana high school football, and his efforts in transforming the program have earned him well-deserved recognition as the GeauxPreps Class 5A Coach of the Year.