Sports

Fort White quarterback Jayden Jackson gets set to take a snap during practice on May 1. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Fort White quarterback Jayden Jackson gets set to take a snap during practice on May 1. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Jackson says ‘focus is on us’ ahead of Fort White's spring game vs. Madison County

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Friday, May 19, 2023
FORT WHITE — Don’t call it a revenge game. When Fort White takes on Madison County at 6 p.m. Tuesday night at Arrowhead for the teams’ spring game, there will be a lot to look at: a revamped offense, transfer stars making plays, a veteran offensive line, and simply lining up correctly.
Suwannee receiver MJ Rossin jumps over a Dixie County defender Thursday night at Bruce Boyette Field. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee receiver MJ Rossin jumps over a Dixie County defender Thursday night at Bruce Boyette Field. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Suwannee overcomes rain, adversity to top Dixie, NFEI in spring jamboree

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, May 19, 2023
CROSS CITY — Wanting to see how his team responded to different situations, Thursday's spring jamboree gave Suwannee coach Kyler Hall just what he desired. The start of the three-team jamboree was delayed an hour before in began due to lightning, leading to a condensed schedule.
Lafayette outfielder Kevin Posada is consoled by a teammate after losing to Chipley in the Class 1A state championship game on Thursday at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers. (JESSICA PILAND/Special to the Reporter)

Lafayette outfielder Kevin Posada is consoled by a teammate after losing to Chipley in the Class 1A state championship game on Thursday at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers. (JESSICA PILAND/Special to the Reporter)

PREP BASEBALL: Hornets stung by Chipley in Class 1A state championship

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Thursday, May 18, 2023
FORT MYERS — The Hornets had come back from big deficits before. But with a state championship on the line Thursday, nine runs proved to be a bit too much.
Columbia quarterback Evan Umstead drops back to pass during practice on Wednesday. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia quarterback Evan Umstead drops back to pass during practice on Wednesday. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Allen looking for ‘gamers’ from Columbia in spring game vs. Bartram Trail

JORDAN KROEGER
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Brian Allen used to treat Columbia’s spring game as a final exam. But in his first season back as head coach with a young squad that still has plenty to learn, he’s looking at Friday’s contest against Bartram Trail as more of a midterm before summer workouts.
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.