Leander Lions

Head Coach: Ahmad Zaidan (1st season)

Last Season: 3-7; 2-5 in district

Returning Lettermen: 19 (2 returning starters on offense; 0 on defense)

Leander Key Players and Storylines

It’s going to be a baptism by fire for the Leander Lions this fall. San Antonio Clark defensive coordinator Ahmad Zaidan takes charge after Kris Price stepped down over the offseason. However, he has just two returning starters as the Lions get ready to play 6A football for the first time since 2019

Both of those starters are found on offense. Receiver Izaac Montgomery (259 receiving yards and one touchdown) is a four-year letterman who is dynamic with the ball in his hands. He’ll look to team up with fellow receiver Braxton Hernandez (134 receiving yards) to create a speedy tandem this fall. Up front, senior lineman Jake Nguyen will provide much-needed experience in the trenches as a returning letterman.

Defensively, safety Trysten Adames (29 tackles) may not have been a starter before, but he’ll be a reliable anchor on the back end with his game experience. Junior linebacker Griffin Sisk (26 tackles) and explosive defensive tackle Lexon Cordova will give Leander’s run defense a solid spine in the middle of the field.

The Lions coaching staff is ready to see how their young talent will grow up this fall. The majority of their lineup will be first-time starters, but they’ll hope to be competitive as they move up with Cedar Park, East View, and Rouse from 5A Division I.

Leander Lions 2026 Football Schedule

*Denotes District 24-6A Contest

8/28 @ Pflugerville

9/4 @ Lockhart

9/10 vs. Akins

9/17 @ Buda Hays

*9/24 @ Cedar Park

*10/9 vs. Leander Rouse

*10/16 @ Hutto

*10/23 vs. Vandegrift

*10/30 @ East View

*11/6 vs. Vista Ridge