Sports

Branford running back Trevor Maddox breaks through a tackle against Dixie County during the teams’ spring game on May 17. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Branford running back Trevor Maddox breaks through a tackle against Dixie County during the teams’ spring game on May 17. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Branford to see various looks in 3-team jamboree at Trenton

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
BRANFORD — Branford coach Tim Clark has conflicting feelings about Preseason Classics like the Buccaneers’ trek to Trenton for a three-team jamboree Friday. On one hand, Clark cherishes the opportunity for the Buccaneers to play teams like the host Tigers and Raiders.
Fort White offensive line coach Jonathan Dupree gives instructions to his offensive line during Monday’s practice. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Fort White offensive line coach Jonathan Dupree gives instructions to his offensive line during Monday’s practice. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Fort White's O-line looking to set pace this season

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
FORT WHITE — There’s plenty of optimism to be shared regarding Fort White’s upcoming season. While it begins in earnest tomorrow with a Preseason Classic against North Florida Educational Institute, the real work has been in progress over the summer and into fall camp.
Columbia defensive lineman Caden Bolstein (44) celebrates after making a tackle alongside teammates Jalen Gaskins (5), Ayden Phillips (4) and Kyten Davis (9) during Wednesday’s practice. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia defensive lineman Caden Bolstein (44) celebrates after making a tackle alongside teammates Jalen Gaskins (5), Ayden Phillips (4) and Kyten Davis (9) during Wednesday’s practice. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Columbia defense dominating, offense struggling during second week of camp

JORDAN KROEGER
Friday, August 9, 2024
Columbia finally put on pads Wednesday after Hurricane Debby delayed the process by two days. The defense won the day, then did so again Thursday. The unit continues to get the best of the offense as the season inches closer to kickoff.
Suwannee offensive lineman Brody Bean and defensive lineman Will Brown perform a run-blocking drill during practice on Aug. 3. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee offensive lineman Brody Bean and defensive lineman Will Brown perform a run-blocking drill during practice on Aug. 3. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Suwannee dodges bullet with injuries to offensive line

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, August 9, 2024
LIVE OAK — Barely 30 minutes into Suwannee’s first practice in pads, Brody Bean went down screaming in pain last Saturday. Bean, a junior offensive lineman for the Bulldogs, had his right leg rolled up on during a running drill.
Raleigh Milligan qualified for the NLBRA finals in four events this summer, including barrels, pole pending, flag race and goat untying. (COURTESY)

Raleigh Milligan qualified for the NLBRA finals in four events this summer, including barrels, pole pending, flag race and goat untying. (COURTESY)

RODEO: 9-year-old Raeligh Milligan competes in NLBRA finals

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, August 9, 2024
A Columbia County cowgirl went national this summer. Raleigh Milligan, a 9-year-old who has been riding horses since she was 3, spent two weeks this summer at the National Little Britches Rodeo Association Finals Rodeo in Guthrie, Oklahoma.
Suwannee receiver MJ Rossin turns up the field after catching a pass during Saturday’s practice. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee receiver MJ Rossin turns up the field after catching a pass during Saturday’s practice. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Rossin back healthy, expected to step into starring role for Suwannee

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
LIVE OAK — After his first run at the leading role in Suwannee’s passing attack got cut short, MJ Rossin is getting a chance for an encore performance. Rossin, the Bulldogs’ 6-foot, 180-pound senior, was expected to be Suwannee’s top playmaker through the air a year ago.
Columbia receiver Zamarion Jones (3) catches a pass ahead of defensive back Vondarius Lane (2) during Wednesday’s practice. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia receiver Zamarion Jones (3) catches a pass ahead of defensive back Vondarius Lane (2) during Wednesday’s practice. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Columbia receivers' confidence high in sophomore QB Xavier Collins

JORDAN KROEGER
Friday, August 2, 2024
The confidence surrounding Columbia sophomore quarterback Xavier Collins is high entering this season. How high? “Best quarterback in the nation,” center Zackery Grimes quipped following Wednesday’s practice. In all seriousness, the Tigers are excited about their young QB.
Columbia quarterback Xavier Collins avoids a sack by defensive end Kyten Davis during Thursday's practice. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia quarterback Xavier Collins avoids a sack by defensive end Kyten Davis during Thursday's practice. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Heat, lightning hindering first week of practice at Columbia

JORDAN KROEGER
Thursday, August 1, 2024
Weather has been a hindrance to Columbia during the first week of fall practice. Tuesday’s practice was virtually wiped out due to both heat and lightning. Wednesday’s was delayed due to heat, and Thursday’s was also cut short due to lightning following two different heat delays.