Cecil Leonard was a standout at Sylacaugas East Highland High School on a 1969 team that compiled a 9-0 record while outscoring opponents 499-6. He played college football at Tuskegee Institute. Following his college career, he was drafted by the NFL in the eighth round and played for the Jets in 1969 and 1970. His playing days ended in Birmingham with the Stallions of the now-defunct United States Football League. Coach Leonard began his head coaching career at Parker in 1973 when he became the head football coach. In two years his teams went 9-10. In 1975 he moved to Hayes, where he led the Pacesetters to the state football playoffs in 1976. He returned to Parker as a teacher in 1979 before taking over the head football coaching duties the next season. Parker High School was known more as a basketball power when Leonard arrived from Hayes in 1979, but the former NFL and USFL defensive back quickly turned the Thundering Herds football program into one of the best in the Birmingham area. Coach Leonards 1980 team reached the state finals before losing to Vestavia Hills in the championship game at Legion Field. He had only one losing season during his time as the head football coach at Parker. Parker also reached the Class 6A semifinals in 1989 before losing to eventual state champion Anniston. His teams reached the playoffs six times from 1980-92, compiling a 9-7 record overall. Leonards overall coaching record is 127-83 in 20 seasons. After retiring from the high school coaching ranks, he coached at Miles College in 1994. | 
