Sports

Lafayette quarterback Tywan Williamson throws a pass under pressure against Hamilton County last season. (FILE)

Lafayette quarterback Tywan Williamson throws a pass under pressure against Hamilton County last season. (FILE)

LAFAYETTE FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Young Hornets aim to mature to meet program’s postseason expectations

JAMIE WACHTER
Thursday, August 24, 2023
MAYO — Players come and go, but the expectation never changes at Lafayette. Regardless of who is lining up for the Hornets, they expect to be playing come playoff time. “We’d love to be a playoff team,” Lafayette coach Marcus Edwards said. “That’s our goal every year.
Columbia receivers Bynton Edge (left) and Zamarion Jones (right) celebrates after Jones caught a touchdown pass against Suwannee in last Friday’s Preseason Classic. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia receivers Bynton Edge (left) and Zamarion Jones (right) celebrates after Jones caught a touchdown pass against Suwannee in last Friday’s Preseason Classic. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Buchholz brings another talented group into opener vs. Columbia

JORDAN KROEGER
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
The last time Columbia coach Brian Allen faced Buchholz, his team rolled to a 39-0 win. That was 2018, the Tigers’ seventh win in eight matchups against the Bobcats under Allen.
Suwannee captains Andrew Harrell (65), Justice Leggett (55), Kodi Lang (10) and Jadarius Cherry (56) walk out on to the field for the coin toss prior to last Friday’s Preseason Classic against Columbia. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee captains Andrew Harrell (65), Justice Leggett (55), Kodi Lang (10) and Jadarius Cherry (56) walk out on to the field for the coin toss prior to last Friday’s Preseason Classic against Columbia. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Suwannee eyes turnovers in season opener vs. Flagler Palm Coast

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
LIVE OAK — There was one takeaway from the Preseason Classic that the Suwannee hopes it can repeat this week, and every other week: the ability to force takeaways. For all the areas that they have to improve from last week when Flagler Palm Coast visits Langford Stadium at 7:30 p.m.
Branford quarterback scrambles up the field against Trenton during last Friday’s jamboree. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Special to the Reporter)

Branford quarterback scrambles up the field against Trenton during last Friday’s jamboree. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Special to the Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Branford aims for improved play in opener vs. Cedar Creek Christian

CONCEPCION LEDEZMA
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
BRANFORD — When the Branford Buccaneers faced Cedar Creek Christian in Week 9 of last season, they staggered early on, trailing by three scores before eventually rallying for a strong second half for a 49-28 victory. This time, the Bucs will host the Saints in Friday’s season opener at 7:30 p.m.
Columbia quarterback Zack Paulk scrambles away from Suwannee defensive end Ja’Darius Cherry during Friday’s Preseason Classic. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia quarterback Zack Paulk scrambles away from Suwannee defensive end Ja’Darius Cherry during Friday’s Preseason Classic. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Allen addresses the good with the bad in Paulk’s preseason performance vs. Suwannee

JORDAN KROEGER
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
Zack Paulk’s first high school start had its peaks and valleys, just as you would expect. Friday’s Preseason Classic against Suwannee showed his potential. His first three drives all ended in touchdowns with him throwing two scores as the Tigers built a 21-0 lead 10 seconds into the second quarter.