Sports

Columbia golfer Spencer McCranie (left), pictured alongside CHS head coach Sherman Reed, signed his letter of intent to play at Tennessee State University on Thursday. (COURTESY)

Columbia golfer Spencer McCranie (left), pictured alongside CHS head coach Sherman Reed, signed his letter of intent to play at Tennessee State University on Thursday. (COURTESY)

BOYS GOLF: Columbia golfer Spencer McCranie signs with Tennessee State

Columbia golfer Spencer McCranie signed his letter of intent to play at Tennessee State University on Thursday. McCranie was a four-time LCR all-area selection and part of three CHS squads that qualified for the state tournament.
Columbia assistant coach Tracy Brinkley (left) hugs shortstop Brayden Thomas following the Tigers’ 5-2 loss to American Heritage in the Class 5A state semifinals on Monday at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers. (JESSICA PILAND/Special to the Reporter)

Columbia assistant coach Tracy Brinkley (left) hugs shortstop Brayden Thomas following the Tigers’ 5-2 loss to American Heritage in the Class 5A state semifinals on Monday at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers. (JESSICA PILAND/Special to the Reporter)

PREP BASEBALL: Howard says missing Columbia's state semifinal was ‘heartbreaking’

Chris Howard could only watch from his hotel room. Stuck serving the final game of a two-game suspension, Columbia’s head coach watched his team battle American Heritage in the Class 5A state semifinals Monday morning.
Georgia running back Daijun Edwards runs for a 22-yard touchdown past Florida cornerback Avery Helm (24) and defensive lineman Princely Umanmielen (33) during last season's 'Cocktail Party' on Oct. 29, 2022, in Jacksonville. (JOHN RAOUX/Associated Press)

Georgia running back Daijun Edwards runs for a 22-yard touchdown past Florida cornerback Avery Helm (24) and defensive lineman Princely Umanmielen (33) during last season's 'Cocktail Party' on Oct. 29, 2022, in Jacksonville. (JOHN RAOUX/Associated Press)

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Florida, Georgia exercise option to keep 'Cocktail Party' in Jacksonville through 2026

GAINESVILLE — The annual rivalry game between Florida and Georgia will be played in Jacksonville at least through 2025.
FGC’s Makenzie Phillian lifts the NJCAA championship trophy alongside Klaudia Taylor (7) and head coach Ricky Hufty after the Timberwolves won the inaugural NJCAA title on Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. (COURTESY OF NFL FLAG)

FGC’s Makenzie Phillian lifts the NJCAA championship trophy alongside Klaudia Taylor (7) and head coach Ricky Hufty after the Timberwolves won the inaugural NJCAA title on Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. (COURTESY OF NFL FLAG)

COLLEGE FLAG FOOTBALL: Winning inaugural NJCAA title still sinking in for FGC

ATLANTA — Winning Florida Gateway College’s first NJCAA national championship in more than 20 years is going to take some time to sink in. “It’s been a crazy couple of days.
Fort White defensive back Najeeb Smith tackles Madison County running back Jason McDaniel as linebacker Lecosta Byrd rushes in during Tuesday’s spring game. (CHRISTINA FEAGIN/Special to the Reporter)

Fort White defensive back Najeeb Smith tackles Madison County running back Jason McDaniel as linebacker Lecosta Byrd rushes in during Tuesday’s spring game. (CHRISTINA FEAGIN/Special to the Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Lightning ends Fort White’s spring game vs. Madison County in second quarter

FORT WHITE — The persistent threat of lightning and rain forced the permanent stoppage of Tuesday’s spring football matchup between host Fort White and Madison County. The start of the game was delayed 30 minutes due to the same threat.
Branford's Makayla Williams scores a run during the Class 1A state championship game on Tuesday. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Branford's Makayla Williams scores a run during the Class 1A state championship game on Tuesday. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

PREP SOFTBALL: Branford-Liberty County to finish 1A title game Wednesday

CLERMONT — Tuesday’s Class 1A state championship game between Branford and Liberty County was postponed in the fifth inning following two lightning delays The FHSAA tweeted that the game will resume Wednesday at 10 a.m. The teams were tied 4-4 in the top half of the fifth.
Branford catcher Morgan Brennan smiles as she scores the first run of the 1A state semifinals game against defending champion Jay Monday at Legends Ballfield. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Branford catcher Morgan Brennan smiles as she scores the first run of the 1A state semifinals game against defending champion Jay Monday at Legends Ballfield. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

PREP SOFTBALL: Branford survives Jay, advances to 1A championship

CLERMONT — Laila Arnold flirted with danger all morning. The Branford ace left at least one Jay runner in scoring position through six innings of the state semifinals.