Sports

Branford’s Cash Blalock is pictured with his seventh-place medal in the high jump at the Class 1A state meet on Wednesday at Hodges Stadium in Jacksonville. (COURTESY)

Branford’s Cash Blalock is pictured with his seventh-place medal in the high jump at the Class 1A state meet on Wednesday at Hodges Stadium in Jacksonville. (COURTESY)

PREP TRACK & FIELD: Branford’s Blalock medals in high jump with seventh-place finish at 1A state meet

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
JACKSONVILLE — Branford senior Cash Blalock saved his best for last. On his second attempt Wednesday at the Class 1A state meet at the University of North Florida’s Hodges Stadium, Blalock hit a personal-best jump of 1.87m in the high jump.
Columbia head coach Chris Howard watches the action against Pine Forest in the Region 1-5A quarterfinals on May 9. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia head coach Chris Howard watches the action against Pine Forest in the Region 1-5A quarterfinals on May 9. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP BASEBALL: Columbia coach Chris Howard will sit out state semifinal to finish two-game suspension

JORDAN KROEGER
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Columbia baseball coach Chris Howard will officially sit out one more game as part of a two-game suspension announced by the FHSAA on Wednesday. Howard’s suspension stems from his ejection during Saturday’s 8-4 win over Lincoln in the Region 1-5A semifinals.
Lafayette’s Garrett Taylor (9) and Baylor Johnson (7) are greeted by teammates after scoring against Holmes County during the Class 1A state semifinals on Wednesday at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers. (CHRIS TILLEY/Special to the Reporter)

Lafayette’s Garrett Taylor (9) and Baylor Johnson (7) are greeted by teammates after scoring against Holmes County during the Class 1A state semifinals on Wednesday at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers. (CHRIS TILLEY/Special to the Reporter)

PREP BASEBALL: Lafayette strikes early, takes out defending champion Holmes County in 1A semis

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
FORT MYERS — Dawson Mock knew all eyes were on him. From the very beginning when he took the field at shortstop to the last pitch of the game when he was on the mound, he said he didn’t let the pressure get to him.
FGC receiver Destiny Lockett splits a pair of Xavier defenders on Feb. 25. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

FGC receiver Destiny Lockett splits a pair of Xavier defenders on Feb. 25. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

COLLEGE FLAG FOOTBALL: FGC, 2 Kansas schools fighting for inaugural NJCAA championship

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
In a year of firsts, the Florida Gateway College flag football program is eyeing one more accomplishment. Playing their inaugural season, the Timberwolves made quick work of their first win with a dominant doubleheader sweep of Xavier University on Feb. 25 to open the season and their home slate.
Branford pitcher Laila Arnold (left) celebrates with shortstop Cloey Criggall after the Buccaneers topped Aucilla Christian 2-0 to advance to the Class 1A Final Four. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Special to the Reporter)

Branford pitcher Laila Arnold (left) celebrates with shortstop Cloey Criggall after the Buccaneers topped Aucilla Christian 2-0 to advance to the Class 1A Final Four. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Special to the Reporter)

PREP SOFTBALL: Arnold hurls Branford to Class 1A state semifinal

CONCEPCION LEDEZMA
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
BRANFORD — It’s now out in the open that Branford’s destiny rests on the shoulder of top pitcher Laila Arnold, and coach Oscar Saavedra isn’t shy about admitting this. Who can blame him? In a game where baserunning was scarce, Arnold rose to the occasion once again in a pitching duo.
Branford head coach Tim Clark watches over conditioning at the end of practice on May 4. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Branford head coach Tim Clark watches over conditioning at the end of practice on May 4. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Branford faces final spring test against Bell, Hamilton Co.

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
BRANFORD —  Thursday’s spring jamboree at Bell presents a quandary for the Branford football team. On one hand, the 6 p.m. jamboree against Hamilton County and the host Bulldogs is just a spring game, offering a chance to try out new looks.
Columbia head coach Chris Howard watches the action against Pine Forest in the Region 1-5A quarterfinals on May 9. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia head coach Chris Howard watches the action against Pine Forest in the Region 1-5A quarterfinals on May 9. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP BASEBALL: Columbia holding Howard out of regional championship with suspension looming

JORDAN KROEGER
Monday, May 15, 2023
If the Columbia Tigers are going to win another regional title, they’re going to have to do it without their head coach. Chris Howard is being held out of Tuesday’s Region 1-5A championship against Clay following his ejection during Saturday’s 8-4 win against Lincoln in the regional semifinals.