Sports

Columbia coach Trudy Andrews reacts on the bench as Baker County's match point attack lands just inside the line and beyond the reach of CHS DS Laila Culpepper (11) and setter Brynn Lester (1) on Thursday. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia coach Trudy Andrews reacts on the bench as Baker County's match point attack lands just inside the line and beyond the reach of CHS DS Laila Culpepper (11) and setter Brynn Lester (1) on Thursday. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP VOLLEYBALL: Columbia's rally comes up short against Baker County on Senior Night

CIARA BYRD
Thursday, October 8, 2026
Columbia battled all the way back.But the Tigers ultimately came up just short of a win on Senior Night.Columbia overcame a two-set deficit, rallying to force a fifth-set tiebreaker before falling to Baker County 25-16, 25-20, 19-25, 19-25, 15-13 on Thursday.
Branford's Adrianna Malaguti (5) celebrates her service ace with Calyssa Dicks (20) during Tuesday's win over Lafayette. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

Branford's Adrianna Malaguti (5) celebrates her service ace with Calyssa Dicks (20) during Tuesday's win over Lafayette. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP ROUNDUP: Scores and stats from 10/8/26

NEWS STAFF
Thursday, October 8, 2026
The Branford, Fort White, Suwannee and Lafayette volleyball teams were both victorious Thursday night while Cooper Kerby had a stellar day on the golf course for the Lafayette boys.Here are the scores and stats from Oct. 8.VOLLEYBALL— Branford 3, Oak Hall 2: The Class Rural No. 2 Buccaneers (23-2)...
Defensive tackle Jaden McCray tries to fight off an Oakleaf block during Columbia's Kickoff Classic on August. 14. (GARY LLOYD MCCULLOUGH/Special to the Reporter)

Defensive tackle Jaden McCray tries to fight off an Oakleaf block during Columbia's Kickoff Classic on August. 14. (GARY LLOYD MCCULLOUGH/Special to the Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: McCray’s appeal to play at Fort White denied by FHSAA

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
FORT WHITE — One of the area’s most productive defensive linemen will not get a chance to suit up again as a high schooler.The Florida High School Athletic Association denied an exemption request for defensive tackle Jaden McCray on Tuesday, disbarring the former Columbia Tiger from suiting up for...
Fort White quarterback Carter Wheeler (12) hands the ball off to running back John’l Lawson during last week’s 29-22 win over Lafayette. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

Fort White quarterback Carter Wheeler (12) hands the ball off to running back John’l Lawson during last week’s 29-22 win over Lafayette. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Fort White travels to Boot Hill eyeing district crown

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
FORT WHITE — It’s likely the toughest test left in the season.It could also determine the District 3-1A champion as well as impact future playoff seeding.Either way, when Fort White and Madison County meet for the 13th time in their histories tonight at Boot Hill, Fort White coach Demetric Jackson...
Suwannee quarterback Haigen Johnson braces for a hit from Zarephath Academy last Friday. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee quarterback Haigen Johnson braces for a hit from Zarephath Academy last Friday. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Weather moves up pivotal district contest between Suwannee & Baker County

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
LIVE OAK — In many ways, Suwannee and Baker County are mirror images, featuring strong defenses and offenses that have struggled at times to stay in rhythm.The difference in tonight’s rescheduled District 2-3A matchup could be which team handles the changed schedule, the weather conditions, the...
The Suwannee Bulldogs celebrate after a point against Columbia on Sept. 30. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Lake City Reporter)

The Suwannee Bulldogs celebrate after a point against Columbia on Sept. 30. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Lake City Reporter)

PREP ROUNDUP: Scores and stats from 10/7/26

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Suwannee’s volleyball team went the distance with Palatka on Wednesday before coming away with a 25-17, 17-25, 25-12, 19-25, 15-10 on the road.It extended the Bulldogs’ winning streak to five games while improving their record to 13-7. The Panthers fell to 12-10.
Fort White hitter Arianna Breeden (4) attempts to block a shot from Suwannee hitter Calinn Daniel on Aug. 25. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Lake City Reporter)

Fort White hitter Arianna Breeden (4) attempts to block a shot from Suwannee hitter Calinn Daniel on Aug. 25. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Lake City Reporter)

PREP ROUNDUP: Scores and stats from 10/6/26

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Fort White and Suwannee picked up wins in volleyball Tuesday night while Columbia couldn't close out a victory.Here are the scores and stats from Oct. 6.VOLLEYBALL— Newberry 3, Columbia 2: The Panthers (20-3) rallied to take the final two sets for a 26-24, 17-25, 18-25, 25-18, 15-11 win over the...
Branford outside hitter Anabella Dicks (left) celebrates her kill with teammates Raelea Bradow (6) and Ava Alcorn (12) during Tuesday's win over Lafayette. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

Branford outside hitter Anabella Dicks (left) celebrates her kill with teammates Raelea Bradow (6) and Ava Alcorn (12) during Tuesday's win over Lafayette. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP VOLLEYBALL: Branford powers past Lafayette for eighth straight win

CIARA BYRD
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
BRANFORD — It takes a great team to win a state championship, but it takes a special culture to chase second one with this much hunger.After taking revenge on Union County with a three-set sweep on Monday, Class Rural No. 2 Branford carried that momentum into Tuesday night’s matchup against...
Tim Morrison, Jordan Roberts and members of the 2019 baseball team were inducted into the Suwannee Hall of Fame last Thursday. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Tim Morrison, Jordan Roberts and members of the 2019 baseball team were inducted into the Suwannee Hall of Fame last Thursday. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP SPORTS: Suwannee inducts 2019 baseball team, Morrison, Roberts into Hall of Fame

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
LIVE OAK — Nearly 40 years and more than 100 inductees later, the Suwannee High Sports Hall of Fame committee has one goal when it brings in new members each year: keeping the standard high.“Something I say every year and I mean this, when you talk about our committee and what we look for, we...