Sports

Branford outside hitter Kennedy Walker (5) celebrates with libero Erika Rioux (left), setter Andi Sabourin (2) and outside hitter Madison Ward (4) after a kill against Aucilla Christian during Thursday's Region 3-1A semifinal. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Special to the Reporter)

Branford outside hitter Kennedy Walker (5) celebrates with libero Erika Rioux (left), setter Andi Sabourin (2) and outside hitter Madison Ward (4) after a kill against Aucilla Christian during Thursday's Region 3-1A semifinal. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Special to the Reporter)

PREP VOLLEYBALL: Walker leads Branford to sweep over Aucilla Christian in Region 3-1A semifinals

JORDAN KROEGER
Thursday, October 26, 2023
BRANFORD — Kennedy Walker’s expectations were simple when Branford faced off against Aucilla Christian in their playoff opener. “I expected this team to show up and show out,” she said. Oh, the Buccaneers did that, especially Walker.
Suwannee running back Marquavious Owens (4) runs up the field after getting a handoff from quarterback Kodi Lang on Oct. 13. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee running back Marquavious Owens (4) runs up the field after getting a handoff from quarterback Kodi Lang on Oct. 13. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Suwannee hopes to ground Wakulla, win district title

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
LIVE OAK — How do you slow down a high-powered aerial attack that is soaring at full speed? Well, if Suwannee coach Kyler Hall gets his way Friday night at Langford Stadium, the Bulldogs’ defense will get a big helping hand of keeping Class 2S No.
Lafayette safety Blake Pilkington makes a tackle against Trenton last Friday. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Special to the Reporter)

Lafayette safety Blake Pilkington makes a tackle against Trenton last Friday. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Special to the Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Lafayette not taking winless Jefferson County lightly

CONCEPCION LEDEZMA
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
MAYO — The Lafayette Hornets are well aware that it will host a team on Friday that shouldn’t offer much competition. Visiting Jefferson County hasn’t tasted much success this fall, as the Tigers enter Friday’s 7:30 p.m.
FGC runner Sarah Simpson placed sixth at the NJCAA Region 8 Championship. (COURTESY)

FGC runner Sarah Simpson placed sixth at the NJCAA Region 8 Championship. (COURTESY)

COLLEGE CROSS COUNTRY: Simpson's all-region performance leads FGC women to third place in Region 8

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Florida Gateway College’s women’s cross country team placed third out of eight teams at the NJCAA Region 8 Championship on Tuesday with 68 points, finishing behind No. 4 nationally ranked Daytona State (25) and No. 7 Pasco-Hernando State (51). Columbia High alum Sarah Simpson led the No.
Columbia’s Avery Sandlin dives to return a shot against Ridgeview during Wednesday’s Region 1-5A quarterfinal. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Special to the Reporter)

Columbia’s Avery Sandlin dives to return a shot against Ridgeview during Wednesday’s Region 1-5A quarterfinal. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Special to the Reporter)

PREP VOLLEYBAL: Ridgeview sweeps Columbia in Region 1-5A quarterfinals

JORDAN KROEGER
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Columbia’s season came to a crashing end on Wednesday night against Ridgeview. The No. 7 seed Tigers were swept by the No. 2 seed Panthers 25-10, 25-8, 25-10 on the road in the Region 1-5A quarterfinals. It was Columbia’s first playoff match since 2012 and only fourth appearance in program history.