Sports

Lafayette receiver Jordan Murphy takes a hit from a Newberry defender after a catch in their Preseason Classic on Aug. 15. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

Lafayette receiver Jordan Murphy takes a hit from a Newberry defender after a catch in their Preseason Classic on Aug. 15. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

LAFAYETTE FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Hornets eye big plays in air to compliment strong ground game

CONCEPCION LEDEZMA
Thursday, August 22, 2024
MAYO — With Lafayette returning a game breaker like Jordan Murphy for his senior season, coach Marcus Edwards could understand why his Hornets would be labeled as a team that counts on the big plays. After all, LHS has third-year starting QB Tywan Williamson, who is returning for his junior season.
Suwannee linebacker Delwyn Allen dives to tackle Columbia running back Johnathan Andrews during last season’s Preseason Classic. (FILE)

Suwannee linebacker Delwyn Allen dives to tackle Columbia running back Johnathan Andrews during last season’s Preseason Classic. (FILE)

PREP FOOTBALL: Columbia, Suwannee meet in first regular-season matchup since 2018

JORDAN KROEGER
Wednesday, August 21, 2024
For the first time in six years Friday night, the Old Oaken Bucket will return to the sidelines. Columbia and Suwannee will renew their rivalry in a 7:30 p.m. kickoff at Tiger Stadium, the teams’ first matchup in the regular season since 2018.
Fort White running back Keimarion Neal celebrates with quarterback Jayden Jackson after scoring a touchdown against NFEI during their Preseason Classic on Aug 15. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Fort White running back Keimarion Neal celebrates with quarterback Jayden Jackson after scoring a touchdown against NFEI during their Preseason Classic on Aug 15. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Fort White looks for ‘control’ in season opener against Taylor County

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, August 21, 2024
FORT WHITE — Fort White head coach Demetric Jackson is quite familiar with the first opponent on his team’s 2024-25 schedule. But when the Indians host Taylor County on Friday night at 7:30, there will be an unfamiliar face leading the opposing sideline.
Lafayette receiver Parker Hill turns up field after taking a handoff during the Preseason Classic against Newberry on Aug. 15. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

Lafayette receiver Parker Hill turns up field after taking a handoff during the Preseason Classic against Newberry on Aug. 15. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Lafayette is healthy, ready for opener against Dixie County

CONCEPCION LEDEZMA
Wednesday, August 21, 2024
MAYO — The visit to Dixie County last year turned out to me a memorable season opener for Lafayette. The Hornets’ defense was the star, accounting for their lone score on a fumble recovery for a touchdown.
Branford receiver Maurice Vought runs up the field after a catch against Crescent City during their Preseason Jamboree on Aug. 16. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Branford receiver Maurice Vought runs up the field after a catch against Crescent City during their Preseason Jamboree on Aug. 16. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Branford will face a different look from Oak Hall in opener

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, August 21, 2024
BRANFORD — Branford’s season-opening test got a bit of a new look last week. When Oak Hall, which has won 30 games the past four seasons, visits Cleve Sikes Field at Buccaneer Stadium on Friday night for a 7:30 p.m.
The Lake City Reporter provides coverages for Columbia, Fort White, Suwannee, Branford and Lafayette high schools.

The Lake City Reporter provides coverages for Columbia, Fort White, Suwannee, Branford and Lafayette high schools.

PREP ROUNDUP: Scores and stats from 8/20/24

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
BOYS GOLF — Lafayette 162, Taylor County 206: Cooper Kerby won medalist honors with a 39 and teammates Harrison Jackson (40), Gavin Barnes (41) and Will Sirola (42) finished second, third and fourth to lead the Hornets to victory over the Bulldogs and a 3-man Union County squad at the Quail...
Fort White defensive linemen Chris Smith (top) and Jaden McCray (bottom) combine for a tackle against NFEI during the Preseason Classic on Aug. 15. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Fort White defensive linemen Chris Smith (top) and Jaden McCray (bottom) combine for a tackle against NFEI during the Preseason Classic on Aug. 15. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Fort White's D-line duo of McCray, Smith seeking even bigger year

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
FORT WHITE — Two of the biggest pieces of the Fort White defense line up right next to each other nearly every snap. Based on what they put together in Thursday’s Preseason Classic game against North Florida Educational Institute, they could put together a memorable season.
Suwannee linebacker Christian Socarras is helped off the field by the team trainer (left) and head coach Kyler Hall after injuring his knee during Friday’s Preseason Classic against Bishop Kenny. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Special to the Reporter)

Suwannee linebacker Christian Socarras is helped off the field by the team trainer (left) and head coach Kyler Hall after injuring his knee during Friday’s Preseason Classic against Bishop Kenny. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Special to the Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Suwannee trying to replace LB Socarras following knee injury

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
LIVE OAK — As the first quarter ended Friday night, one of Suwannee’s defensive leaders remained down on the field.