Sports

Lafayette quarterback Tucker Higginbotham stretches out for extra yards as he is wrapped up by a Union County defender Friday night. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

Lafayette quarterback Tucker Higginbotham stretches out for extra yards as he is wrapped up by a Union County defender Friday night. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP ROUNDUP: Lafayette, Branford drop SSAA openers

NEWS STAFF
Saturday, August 15, 2026
LAKE BUTLER — Lafayette’s move to the Sunshine State Athletic Association got off to a stormy start Friday night.The Hornets never led Friday in their season opener, falling 21-7 to Union County at The Jungle.After LHS tied the game at 7 midway through the third, Union County answered right back to...
Columbia quarterback Amari Green drops back to pass during Tuesday’s practice. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia quarterback Amari Green drops back to pass during Tuesday’s practice. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Columbia QB Amari Green eager to prove old team wrong in Kickoff Classic

JORDAN KROEGER
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
It may just be a preseason game, but new Columbia quarterback Amari Green will take the field with a chip on his shoulder Friday night.That’s because his opponent, Oakleaf, never gave him a chance to be the guy behind center during his first two seasons in high school.Green was forced to sit behind...
Suwannee safety Josh Johnson intercepts a pass in front of receiver Jamarcus Cherry during practice on Aug. 3. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee safety Josh Johnson intercepts a pass in front of receiver Jamarcus Cherry during practice on Aug. 3. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Suwannee looks to build winning mentality in Kickoff Classic

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
LIVE OAK — While the result on the scoreboard won’t matter Friday night, that’s the only thing that has changed about Suwannee facing Madison County.The Cowboys will make the trip east to Langford Stadium to face the Bulldogs at 7:30 p.m. Friday in a Kickoff Classic that will otherwise have the...
Branford libero Ava Alcorn (left) defends a shot while outside hitter Anabella Dicks looks on against Chipley during last season’s Class Rural state championship. Alcorn and Dicks are the only returning starters for the Buccaneers this season. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

Branford libero Ava Alcorn (left) defends a shot while outside hitter Anabella Dicks looks on against Chipley during last season’s Class Rural state championship. Alcorn and Dicks are the only returning starters for the Buccaneers this season. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

VOLLEYBALL PREVIEW: 2026 season features new coaches, new districts, new challenges

JORDAN KROEGER
Tuesday, August 11, 2026
The 2026 volleyball season begins next week, and three area teams have new head coaches, including one aiming to defend its state title.New districts are also here this year and there’s been a shakeup for all five area teams, who are all looking to replace key players from a year ago as well.How...
Columbia receiver Zion Walker fights to break away from a tackle from defensive back Mekah Combs-Turner (16) as defensive backs Jermone Carter (21) and Chris Austin (back) give chase during Wednesday’s practice. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia receiver Zion Walker fights to break away from a tackle from defensive back Mekah Combs-Turner (16) as defensive backs Jermone Carter (21) and Chris Austin (back) give chase during Wednesday’s practice. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Allen has tweaked practice philosophy to keep Columbia fresh for long season

JORDAN KROEGER
Friday, August 7, 2026
There’s been a philosophy shift at Columbia during fall practice.While most teams around the state are already practicing in full pads, CHS coach Brian Allen has refrained from doing so aside from last night’s team scrimmage.
Fort White linebacker Kayden Ireland (left) and defensive lineman Cillian Sheehan (right) wrap up running back Jeremiah Taylor during Monday’s practice. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Fort White linebacker Kayden Ireland (left) and defensive lineman Cillian Sheehan (right) wrap up running back Jeremiah Taylor during Monday’s practice. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Linebacker spots still up for grabs at Fort White

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Friday, August 7, 2026
FORT WHITE — Similar to the offensive side of the ball, Fort White can rely upon the steady nerves of a veteran core on its defense.With only one other position battle there to be decided, head coach Demetric Jackson believes the returning players — and some newcomers — can make a big difference...
Suwannee quarterback Haigen Johnson (11) rushes a pass after being pressured by linebackers Travis Fead (32) and Kyler Watson during Monday’s practice. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee quarterback Haigen Johnson (11) rushes a pass after being pressured by linebackers Travis Fead (32) and Kyler Watson during Monday’s practice. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Fead, Watson expected to lead Suwannee defense this season

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, August 7, 2026
LIVE OAK — Every time Suwannee’s offense has approached the line of scrimmage during fall practice, head coach Kyler Hall starts looking for two things on the other side of the ball.It’s the same two things that Hall expects opposing head coaches and offensive coordinators to also focus on when...
Columbia receiver Shaheed White breaks open for a catch during Monday’s practice. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia receiver Shaheed White breaks open for a catch during Monday’s practice. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Basketball standout Shaheed White adds another big wrinkle to Columbia’s offense

JORDAN KROEGER
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Shaheed White wasn’t even thinking about playing football.He just wanted to bulk up for basketball season.But as White spent more time in the weight room around the players, which included several friends such as receiver Kyren Caldwell, it became apparent he needed to give it a second...
Lafayette coach Marcus Edwards directs his players during practice on July 28. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Lafayette coach Marcus Edwards directs his players during practice on July 28. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Lafayette adds new opponent for Week 2

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
MAYO — With barely a week left before opening its season, Lafayette has a full schedule once again.After a late cancellation during the summer when Zarephath Academy dropped the Hornets on Aug. 21 to instead travel to play IMG Academy’s junior national team, LHS head coach Marcus Edwards was able...