Scott Edwards sought employment with Livingston and Mountain House prior to being hired to coach varsity football and teach P.E. at Central Valley before the start of the 2014-15 school year.

"Everything happens for a reason," Scott said. "CV was the right place. It's been a good fit for myself and the student athletes. I'm a demanding coach. The kids don't shy away from hard work."

Edwards was named Western Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in a vote by the league's head coaches on Nov. 15 in Patterson.

The first-place Hawks (5-0) won nearly every major award during the WAC year-end meeting.

"I'd be lying if I said it doesn't feel good," Edwards stated. "My coaching staff and players did a great job and won me that award."

Central Valley has amassed a 21-11 overall record (12-5 Western Athletic Conference), won one league title and qualified for the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs twice during Edwards' three years at the helm.

"He has a special bond with every single one of his players," Hawks senior defensive end/tight end/punter Gabriel Quezada said. "He doesn't have a favorite player. He treats us all like family. He keeps it real."

"He knows how to win," Central Valley junior strong safety Estevan Barragan said. "He's been around football for a long time."

"He set up a great plan for us to succeed," Hawks senior offensive/defensive lineman Erik Mejia said.

Central Valley enjoyed its best season to date this fall.

The Hawks posted a program-best 9-2 overall record, annexed their first conference crown (5-0) and participated in the playoffs for the second year in a row.

Central Valley beat Patterson for the first time in seven meetings.

The Hawks also improved their head-to-head record versus the crosstown Bulldogs to 9-2.

Central Valley's experienced-laden defense totaled 33 sacks and surrendered just 11.8 points per game.

The Hawks, competing with a revamped offensive lineup as nine of 11 starters from 2015 were lost to graduation, averaged 258.5 yards rushing and 30.3 points per game.

"We had a special season," Edwards said. "We did some things the program's never done before. Nobody can take the league title away. It's the first in school history. I wish I would have enjoyed the season more."

"I knew going into our senior year it was going to be a great year," Quezada said. "This year's team had a lot more chemistry. Everybody bought into his (coach Edwards') scheme and what he was saying."

The Hawks finished 7-4 on the year and second in the WAC (5-1) in 2015.

Central Valley also advanced to the postseason.

Edwards was narrowly edged out in a 3-2 vote by Patterson's Rob Cozart for WAC Coach of the Year.

The Hawks went 5-5 and tied for fourth place in the conference standings (2-4) with the Bulldogs in 2014.

Central Valley lost by upset, 24-7, to Ceres High on the final day of the regular season. The setback eliminated the Hawks from playoff consideration.

"Coaches are a glutton for punishment," Edwards said. "We love a challenge. That keeps the job fresh."

Edwards has been coaching football for 22 years.

Scott was offensive coordinator/offensive line coach for University Mary in North Dakota in 2013. His first stint with the Marauders was from 1998-2001. He recruited Central Valley founding head coach Tim Garcia.

Edwards was head coach of Bret Harte High School's varsity football team for seven years (2006-12). Budget cuts forced Edwards to find employment elsewhere.

He also filled coaching positions at Sacramento City College (2003-05), Northern State University (2002), American River College (1997) and Mendocino College (1996).

Edwards won three league titles with University of Mary (2001, 1999 and 1998) and one with American River (1997).

Passed over by Livingston and Mountain House, Edwards beat out 29 other applicants for the Central Valley job.

Hawk athletic director Greg Magni was part of the interview panel.

"We got very lucky finding someone with his track record and experience," Magni said following Edwards' hiring. "He's coached and taught at the high school, junior college and college levels. He has a diverse resume. Everyone speaks so highly of him. I think he's going to do great things. He has the drive and commitment."

Central Valley has won 16 of its last 20 games dating back to Week 3 of the 2015 season.

The Hawks reeled of a school-record eight straight victories prior to losing in the Division-II playoffs this year.

Central Valley has improved each season since Edwards' hiring.

"It was an honor playing for him," Hawks senior defensive end Oso Fregoso said. "He's a great coach. In practice, he pushed all of us. He coached us to the best of our ability."

"I've been doing this for 22 years," Edwards said. "I've been a part of five league-championship teams. Every team creates its own challenges. Every year is so different."