HUDSON- Nobody thought it was going to take too long for Hernando coach Rob Kazmier to pickup his first victory as the lead man of the Leopards.
It was the dominating fashion his team was able to do it in when the Leopards traveled down to Hudson to face off against a much improved Fivay team, that has been bolstered by the additions of players from the now closed down Ridgewood High School. Hernando was able to give Kazmier win No. 1 last week on Friday night and the Leopards rolled to an easy 40-7 victory over the Falcons.
Kazmier was quick to point out that there was plenty of great performances by his players all across the board. From running back David Hale Bronson to freshman sensation Jordan Williams, who notched his first career varsity interception. It was truly a team effort for the Leopards.
“Fivay is very much improved,” Kazmier said. “Very physical and tough. Huge turnaround for them. They banged us up. David Hale Bronson put on a show.”
Hale Bronson was all over the place for Hernando, as the senior racked up 56 yards on just five carries, nabbed two assisted tackles and returned a kickoff 97 yards. If Week 1 was any preview of the rest of the season, Hale Bronson will be used in a myriad of ways.
Also having a big night for the Leopards was running back Israel Fields, who rushed for 99 yards on 19 carries. Hernando quarterback Boston Tafelski guided the Leopards’ offense all evening long, throwing for 106 yards and two touchdown passes.
Not to be out done, Hernando’s defense also had a very solid outing against Fivay. Sophomore standout linebacker Koby Winn led the Leopards’ defense with 13 tackles, three went for loss. Fleet-footed safety Shavaris McNair also added 12 tackles from the defensive backfield.
It was a good start for a team breaking in a new head coach in Kazmier. Former Hernando head coach Bill Vonada resigned back in the spring, but the Leopards have rebounded to start off the 2018 campaign 1-0. Hernando (1-0, 0-0) will now go on the road this week once again and face Dakota Ridge (0-1) of Littleton, Colorado over in Orlando.
