Hernando football mourning death of Sgt. Clarence Williams III

As news of Clarence Williams III’s death in Afghanistan spread early this week, his former high school football team is mourning.

“It’s a sad day, a sad day for Hernando High School,” said Leopards assistant Tom Bronson.

Williams played football for Hernando before graduating in 2008. Statistics of his high school career aren’t available, and his playing days weren’t mentioned in any Times stories.

Williams joined the Army after high school and rose to the rank of sergeant before he was killed Sunday by a roadside bomb. He was 23.

Bronson said he knew in high school that Williams was dedicated to serving others.

“He was determined,” said Bronson, whose son, Thomas, was friends with Williams. “He knew what he wanted to do.”

Bronson said former Hernando players have spread memories online of Williams, who was scheduled to return to Florida later this month.

Recently, Bronson saw a Facebook post from Williams about how excited Williams was to come home.

“That’s when you certainly know God’s got a plan,” Bronson said. “When he said he’s going home, I don’t think he realized that was heaven.”

Teams in post

• Hernando High School