The Hernando Leopards football team, led by Head Coach Chop Alexander, is gearing up for the 2026 season with a new lineup of players. After a successful 2025 season with a 7-4 record and a district championship, Coach Alexander is looking to replicate the team’s success. However, the team will be without several former leaders, including quarterback Michael Saltsman, defensive back Michael Brown, and wide receiver Kamani Dotson.
The Leopards’ first game of the season is scheduled for August 14 against the Sunlake Seahawks at 7:00 p.m. The team’s full schedule includes: August 21 vs. Lake Brantley Patriots at 7:30 p.m., August 28 vs. Dunnellon Tigers at 7:30 p.m., September 4 @ Hawthorne Hornets at 7:30 p.m., September 11 @ Central Bears at 7:30 p.m., September 18 vs. Springstead Eagles at 7:30 p.m., September 25 vs. Crystal River Pirates at 7:30 p.m., October 9 @ Weeki Wachee Hornets at 7:30 p.m., October 16 vs. Citrus Hurricanes at 7:30 p.m., October 23 @ Nature Coast Tech Sharks at 7:00 p.m., and October 30 @ Eastside Rams at 7:30 p.m. A key game to watch is the Leopards at the Sharks on October 23.
Players to watch this season include Zach Bryant, Keegan Ward, Waylon Williamson, Mason Pauliot, and Radford Ball. Coach Alexander expressed his confidence in these players, stating, “They have been working hard the whole summer. They have bought into what we are trying to do. They are our role models. They have been working hard. I feel like they kind of have that ripple effect throughout our team, and I feel like we are going to have success because of this core group we have.”
The Hernando Leopards are predicted to have a 6-4 record this season. With a strong lineup of players and a challenging schedule, the team is ready to take on the competition.
Originally reported by Hernando Sun
Sources: Hernando Sun
