Bossier Parish Schools Press Release and Staff Reports
Stephen Dennis has been named head coach at Benton.
Dennis, who was Huntington’s head coach the past eight seasons, replaces Reynolds Moore, who stepped down after 12 seasons.
Dennis has been a coach for 17 years. He began his career at Parkway. He has also been a coach at Louisiana Christian University and Northwood.
“We are excited to welcome Coach Dennis as the new Head Football Coach at Benton High School,” said Benton High Principal Whitney Clark said in a Bossier Parish Schools press release .“Coach Dennis brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of his student-athletes, qualities that made him the clear choice for this role.
“His passion for the game and infectious enthusiasm will undoubtedly inspire our team and community. We are thrilled to have him join the Tiger family!”
Dennis guided Huntington to a 6-6 record last season. The Raiders finished tied for third in District 1-5A at 5-3. It was the school’s first season in the district after moving up from District 1-4A. Huntington lost to eventual champion Edna Carr in the second round of the select Division I playoffs.
In eight years at Huntington, Dennis was 44-42. In his first two seasons, the Raiders went 3-7 and 2-8. In his last six seasons, Dennis was 39-25 with six playoff appearances. His best season was 9-3 in 2021.
“I’ve enjoyed every minute of my eight-year journey coaching the Raiders,” Dennis said. “In the first few years, the young men I was privileged to coach helped establish a foundation, with values and a culture that have lasted throughout my tenure. We focused on building depth; our players never shied away from overcoming adversity, and our players not only became great athletes, but leaders.
“I am sincerely thankful for the opportunity to serve the student-athletes of Huntington High School and the community of West Shreveport. I firmly believe Huntington now has a culture of sustaining success, with continued leadership that will ensure the program continues to emphasize a mindset of ‘leaving it better than you found it.
“I would like to thank Mrs. Whitney Clark and the selection committee for the opportunity to be part of the rich history and academic success as the next Head Football Coach at Benton High School. I am excited to begin the work of building relationships., number one with the players, as well as strengthening the program’s culture, and creating a competitive, fun environment.
“I am excited about connecting with the Benton community and working with my Tiger family on accomplishing long-term goals for the program and the school. We will strive each day to leave our program and school ‘better than we found it’ the day before.”
Dennis will be taking over a team that went 1-9 last season but the program had a lot of success during Moore’s tenure.