Sports

Columbia offensive lineman Chase Johnson calls out a defender during Monday's practice. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia offensive lineman Chase Johnson calls out a defender during Monday's practice. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Columbia's O-line showing improvement with addition of Oakleaf transfer Chase Johnson

One of the biggest question marks entering every season for Columbia is typically the offensive line. This year, though, the Tigers have experience at all five positions and coach Brian Allen believes it could be one of his stronger units.
Columbia's Grant Bowers slides safely into third base during Tuesday's District 2-5A semifinal against Gainesville. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia's Grant Bowers slides safely into third base during Tuesday's District 2-5A semifinal against Gainesville. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP BASEBALL: Columbia receives 2 seed but road trip for playoff opener; Suwannee also on road while Lafayette gets 1 seed

The good news for Columbia was a No. 2 seed in Region 1-5A during Saturday’s FHSAA bracket reveal. The bad news? The Tigers have to go on the road for the first round of the playoffs despite being ninth in Class 5A with a 14.204 rating. Columbia (15-12) will travel to No. 7 Beachside (15-13, 6.
Columbia shortstop Lillyenne Mayhew gets caught in a rundown by Middleburg third baseman Madisyn Strickland in the sixth inning of Thursday's game. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia shortstop Lillyenne Mayhew gets caught in a rundown by Middleburg third baseman Madisyn Strickland in the sixth inning of Thursday's game. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

PREP SOFTBALL: Columbia gets at-large playoff berth; Branford, Fort White & Suwannee all hosting openers

Forced to wait four days to find out its playoff fate, Columbia breathed a sigh of relief when the FHSAA unveiled the brackets on Saturday. The Tigers received the final playoff spot in Region 1-5A and will travel to top-seeded Middleburg for Thursday’s regional quarterfinal.
Columbia coach Chris Howard argues a call with the home plate umpire during Thursday's District 2-5A championship against Lincoln. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia coach Chris Howard argues a call with the home plate umpire during Thursday's District 2-5A championship against Lincoln. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP BASEBALL: Columbia falls to Lincoln in District 2-5A championship marred by questionable calls

TALLAHASSEE — Thursday’s District 2-5A championship between Columbia and Lincoln may have left some wondering why there was even a first base umpire. On four different occasions, LHS head coach Mike Gauger appealed calls at first base to the home plate umpire.