BROOKSVILLE - It was a tough night for the Hernando Leopards who search for a new identity after losing some key players and a Head Coach in the offseason.
The Crystal River Pirates were the first to jump on the board. Using a strong running game, Khyrel Harvey took the handoff from quarterback Colin Ryan and split a tackle to run in virtually untouched for a 7-0 lead.
The Leopard offense would struggle early and often as a fumble from quarterback Tyler Kline gave the ball right back to Crystal River.
The Pirates scored again, this time through the air as Ryan rolled to his left and found Carlton Gadson in the back of the endzone for a circus like catch and a 14-0 lead.
Hernando showed some signs of life when Larry O'Bonnon recovered a Crystal River fumble deep in pirates territory, but a failed 4th and goal conversion by the leopards spelled the beginning of the end.
In the end, Crystal river walked away with a 28-3 win.