Sports

Branford quarterback Damian Herrera is pressured in the end zone by Dixie County’s Curtis Copeland. The play resulted in a safety. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Branford quarterback Damian Herrera is pressured in the end zone by Dixie County’s Curtis Copeland. The play resulted in a safety. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Bucs ‘have to get better’ after blowout loss to Dixie County in spring game

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, May 17, 2024
CROSS CITY — For a moment it looked like Branford had an answer to Dixie County’s lethal option attack. After the Bears put together a game-opening four-minute scoring drive, the Buccaneers needed less than a minute and just two plays to counter with a quick strike through the air.
Suwannee quarterback Thomas Sikes looks for a receiver as he rolls out against Buchholz during Thursday's spring jamboree at Langford Stadium. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee quarterback Thomas Sikes looks for a receiver as he rolls out against Buchholz during Thursday's spring jamboree at Langford Stadium. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Suwannee 'not very good' in losses to Bradford, Buchholz in spring jamboree

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, May 17, 2024
LIVE OAK — Suwannee got just what it was looking for in Thursday's spring jamboree. Facing a state runner-up and state semifinalist, the Bulldogs were hoping to get a better idea of just where they are heading into the summer.
Columbia quarterback Xavier Collins throws a pass under pressure from defensive lineman Caden Bolstein during practice on May 1. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia quarterback Xavier Collins throws a pass under pressure from defensive lineman Caden Bolstein during practice on May 1. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Columbia, Fort White focused on themselves in spring game matchup

JORDAN KROEGER
Thursday, May 16, 2024
FORT WHITE — Friday’s spring game between Columbia and Fort White may have some added juice for both communities in the county, but not for the teams’ two head coaches. They’re more interested in their own teams and how well they can finish out the spring.
Branford

Branford

PREP FOOTBALL: Branford to wrap up spring at Dixie County

JAMIE WACHTER
Thursday, May 16, 2024
BRANFORD — When Branford lines up across from Dixie County to close out the spring Friday, the mission will be quite simple. “We want to see them get after it and compete,” Branford coach Tim Clark said of his expectations for the 7 p.m. spring game kickoff in Cross City.
Lafayette shortstop Trevor Byrd (left) sits behind home plate alongside first baseman Noah Lamb after the Hornets fell to Jay 4-2 in the Class 1A state semifinals on Wednesday at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Special to the Reporter)

Lafayette shortstop Trevor Byrd (left) sits behind home plate alongside first baseman Noah Lamb after the Hornets fell to Jay 4-2 in the Class 1A state semifinals on Wednesday at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Special to the Reporter)

PREP BASEBALL: Lafayette lets lead slip away, falls to Jay in Class 1A state semis

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
FORT MYERS — A postseason filled with last-second drama has come to an end for Lafayette. Missed opportunities will haunt the Hornets for the rest of the spring. And likely summer, fall and winter as well.
Branford third baseman Madyson Sikes celebrates running to first base after hitting a walk-off home run to defeat Fort White in the Region 3-1A championship on Tuesday. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Branford third baseman Madyson Sikes celebrates running to first base after hitting a walk-off home run to defeat Fort White in the Region 3-1A championship on Tuesday. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP SOFTBALL: Sikes' walk-off HR lifts Branford past Fort White, back into 1A state semis

JORDAN KROEGER
Tuesday, May 14, 2024
BRANFORD — Oscar Saavedra had the shirts ready. Branford’s coach was confident, and a little cocky. “We were either gonna burn them, or keep them and wear them,“ Saavedra said. There’s no need for a bonfire. Madyson Sikes made sure of that with one swing of the bat.