Sports

Columbia defensive end Mikel Morgan (middle) races to celebrate with defensive coordinator Chris Martinez (middle) after returning a fumble for a touchdown against Camden County in Friday’s spring game. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia defensive end Mikel Morgan (middle) races to celebrate with defensive coordinator Chris Martinez (middle) after returning a fumble for a touchdown against Camden County in Friday’s spring game. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Columbia’s defense shuts down Camden County in spring game

JORDAN KROEGER
Friday, May 15, 2026
Columbia’s defense didn’t get its shot at its former teammate, but the unit picked back up where it left off after last season in Friday’s spring game against Camden County.
Fort White defensive back Marvion Wallace (2) takes his second interception of the night into Williston territory during Friday’s spring game. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Fort White defensive back Marvion Wallace (2) takes his second interception of the night into Williston territory during Friday’s spring game. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Fort White forces 10 turnovers to down Williston in spring game

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Friday, May 15, 2026
FORT WHITE — There’s plenty for Fort White coaches to examine. But at least they’ll be in a good mood as they do so.The Indians played, at points, good, bad, and everything in between during a 19-10 win over Williston in Friday’s spring game.
Columbia players celebrate in the circle after beating Baker County 6-2 to win the Region 1-4A title Thursday night. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia players celebrate in the circle after beating Baker County 6-2 to win the Region 1-4A title Thursday night. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP SOFTBALL: Columbia tops Baker County to win Region 1-4A title

JORDAN KROEGER
Thursday, May 14, 2026
The emotion finally poured out of Columbia coach Joe Saucier.As someone who’s sacrificed a lot to coach the Tigers, he couldn’t hold back the tears. He gave up watching his daughter’s final two years at Santa Fe High School to coach CHS because he believed it was a group good enough to win it all.
Branford pitcher Harleigh Price reacts at home plate after Madison County center fielder Ryleigh Bass scored the game-winning run on a wild pitch thrown by Price in the bottom of the ninth inning of Wednesday's Region 3-R final. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

Branford pitcher Harleigh Price reacts at home plate after Madison County center fielder Ryleigh Bass scored the game-winning run on a wild pitch thrown by Price in the bottom of the ninth inning of Wednesday's Region 3-R final. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP SOFTBALL: Branford falls to Madison County in Region 3-R finals on walk-off wild pitch

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
MADISON — Harleigh Price was nearly unhittable through eight innings. But in the end, the Cowgirls didn’t need a hit in order to steal a spot in the state semifinals. Price held No.
Columbia third baseman Josie Raulerson celebrates with teammates after hitting a solo home run against Arnold in the Region 1-4A semifinals on Wednesday. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia third baseman Josie Raulerson celebrates with teammates after hitting a solo home run against Arnold in the Region 1-4A semifinals on Wednesday. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP SOFTBALL: Columbia rolls to another run-rule win over Arnold in Region 1-4A semis

JORDAN KROEGER
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
First innings have been Columbia’s best as of late.So when Arnold struck for a run to start Wednesday’s Region 1-4A semifinal, the Tigers weren’t worried a bit. They quickly proved that in their turn at bat.
Union County shortstop Wesley Crockett (20) fields the ground ball up the middle in the bottom of the eighth inning and steps on second base for the force out on Garrett Taylor (9) to end the Game 2 of the Region 3-R finals. It finished off a sweep for the Tigers. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

Union County shortstop Wesley Crockett (20) fields the ground ball up the middle in the bottom of the eighth inning and steps on second base for the force out on Garrett Taylor (9) to end the Game 2 of the Region 3-R finals. It finished off a sweep for the Tigers. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP BASEBALL: Union County edges Lafayette in extras to sweep Region 3-R finals

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Saturday, May 9, 2026
LAKE BUTLER — The Hornets were no strangers to the threat of elimination. Even going back into the regular season, head coach Tim Hanson said there was a point when even he doubted his team would get as far as it did. No.
Former Columbia quarterback Xavier Collins throws a pass during spring practice on April 29. Collins departed after practice Tuesday to transfer to Camden County in Georgia. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

Former Columbia quarterback Xavier Collins throws a pass during spring practice on April 29. Collins departed after practice Tuesday to transfer to Camden County in Georgia. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: QB Collins leaves Columbia, transfers to Camden County

JORDAN KROEGER
Friday, May 8, 2026
Xavier Collins was at Columbia’s spring practice Tuesday.Then Wednesday, he was gone.The three-year starter at quarterback transferred to Camden County (Ga.) this week less than two weeks before the teams meet in their spring game on May 15.