Sports

Columbia shortstop Alannah Lord (2) celebrates after recording an out against Baker County during the Region 1-4A championship on May 14. The Tigers won 6-2 to advance to the Class 4A Final Four. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia shortstop Alannah Lord (2) celebrates after recording an out against Baker County during the Region 1-4A championship on May 14. The Tigers won 6-2 to advance to the Class 4A Final Four. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP SOFTBALL: Columbia leaning on chemistry, confidence in Final Four

JORDAN KROEGER
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Columbia coach Joe Saucier still has the text.Before the Tigers ever played a game this season, he sent a message to the booster club that’s been proven true time and time again this spring.“‘Guys, we haven something special here,’” Saucier recalls.His words have rang true with one of the best...
Columbia defensive end Mikel Morgan (middle) races to celebrate with defensive coordinator Chris Martinez (middle) after returning a fumble for a touchdown against Camden County in Friday’s spring game. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia defensive end Mikel Morgan (middle) races to celebrate with defensive coordinator Chris Martinez (middle) after returning a fumble for a touchdown against Camden County in Friday’s spring game. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Columbia’s defense shuts down Camden County in spring game

JORDAN KROEGER
Friday, May 15, 2026
Columbia’s defense didn’t get its shot at its former teammate, but the unit picked back up where it left off after last season in Friday’s spring game against Camden County.Defensive end Mikel Morgan had a scoop and score of nearly 40 yards late in the first quarter, one of three fumble recoveries...
Fort White defensive back Marvion Wallace (2) takes his second interception of the night into Williston territory during Friday’s spring game. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Fort White defensive back Marvion Wallace (2) takes his second interception of the night into Williston territory during Friday’s spring game. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Fort White forces 10 turnovers to down Williston in spring game

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Friday, May 15, 2026
FORT WHITE — There’s plenty for Fort White coaches to examine. But at least they’ll be in a good mood as they do so.The Indians played, at points, good, bad, and everything in between during a 19-10 win over Williston in Friday’s spring game.
Photos by PAUL BUCHANAN/Lake City Reporter Suwannee linebacker Marcos Rojas tries to bring down Newberry running back Jamarcus Wimberly during Friday’s spring game.

Photos by PAUL BUCHANAN/Lake City Reporter Suwannee linebacker Marcos Rojas tries to bring down Newberry running back Jamarcus Wimberly during Friday’s spring game.

PREP FOOTBALL: Suwannee flashes late, but turnovers a killer in spring loss to Newberry

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, May 15, 2026
LIVE OAK — Every time Suwannee would get something going, a turnover would pop up.At least until the very end of the three quarters of varsity action in Friday night’s spring game at Langford Stadium.With just 21 seconds left in the period, the Bulldogs finally finished off a drive when Hamilton...
Branford pitcher Harleigh Price reacts at home plate after Madison County center fielder Ryleigh Bass scored the game-winning run on a wild pitch thrown by Price in the bottom of the ninth inning of Wednesday's Region 3-R final. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

Branford pitcher Harleigh Price reacts at home plate after Madison County center fielder Ryleigh Bass scored the game-winning run on a wild pitch thrown by Price in the bottom of the ninth inning of Wednesday's Region 3-R final. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP SOFTBALL: Branford falls to Madison County in Region 3-R finals on walk-off wild pitch

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
MADISON — Harleigh Price was nearly unhittable through eight innings. But in the end, the Cowgirls didn’t need a hit in order to steal a spot in the state semifinals.
Columbia quarterback Kaleb Williams throws a pass during Monday’s practice. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia quarterback Kaleb Williams throws a pass during Monday’s practice. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Collins’ shocking exit motivating Columbia in spring game

JORDAN KROEGER
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
No one knew Xavier Collins was leaving Columbia.Not even the receiver he’s thrown to since the seventh grade.“It was really shocking because it was out of the blue,” said rising senior Kyren Caldwell, who’s played with Collins since middle school and caught 48 passes for 701 yards and eight...
Florida Gateway College defeated Daytona State College 53-13 to win a fourth straight NJCAA national title on Saturday. (COURTESY OF NJCAA)

Florida Gateway College defeated Daytona State College 53-13 to win a fourth straight NJCAA national title on Saturday. (COURTESY OF NJCAA)

COLLEGE FLAG FOOTBALL: FGC wins fourth straight NJCAA national title

JAMIE WACHTER
Monday, May 11, 2026
GLEN ELLYN, Ill. — The fourth straight NJCAA national title could wait a little bit longer.With 10 seconds left on the clock and Florida Gateway College gaining possession in a 53-13 romp against Daytona State College at the College of DuPage’s Bjarne Ullsvick Stadium on Saturday, Timberwolves...
Union County shortstop Wesley Crockett (20) fields the ground ball up the middle in the bottom of the eighth inning and steps on second base for the force out on Garrett Taylor (9) to end the Game 2 of the Region 3-R finals. It finished off a sweep for the Tigers. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

Union County shortstop Wesley Crockett (20) fields the ground ball up the middle in the bottom of the eighth inning and steps on second base for the force out on Garrett Taylor (9) to end the Game 2 of the Region 3-R finals. It finished off a sweep for the Tigers. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP BASEBALL: Union County edges Lafayette in extras to sweep Region 3-R finals

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Saturday, May 9, 2026
LAKE BUTLER — The Hornets were no strangers to the threat of elimination. Even going back into the regular season, head coach Tim Hanson said there was a point when even he doubted his team would get as far as it did.