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Todd Dodge – Lovejoy Leopards Football

By Ari Trybiarz
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Updated: August 28, 2026

2026 Lovejoy Leopards Football season

In this episode, Lone Star Gridiron host Chris welcomes Lovejoy Leopards head coach Todd Dodge to preview the upcoming Texas high school football season. Coach Dodge shares details about the team's early morning practices and intensive summer conditioning program, highlighting how their weekly "Optional Training Assignment" (OTA) skill sessions helped build team chemistry and establish their 2026 culture. He breaks down the Leopards' roster, pointing to seven returning starters on defense—including cornerbacks D'Carlo Law and Liam McIntosh—and a strong core of experienced players on offense led by tackles Jaden Thompson and M Horton alongside starting quarterback Nixon Slaughter. Dodge also discusses the challenges of their sprawling new 5A Division 2 district realignment, which stretches over 90 miles and includes formidable opponents like Argyle. Finally, he reflects on his personal journey, explaining how his high school coach and father figure, Ronnie Thompson, inspired him to pursue a lifelong career in coaching after his own playing days quarterbacking the Texas Longhorns.