Sports

Columbia first baseman Kimber Long trots around the bases after hitting a two-run home run against P.K. Yonge on Tuesday night. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia first baseman Kimber Long trots around the bases after hitting a two-run home run against P.K. Yonge on Tuesday night. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP SOFTBALL: Long homers, freshmen get chance to shine as Columbia run-rules P.K. Yonge again

JORDAN KROEGER
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
With the district tournament a week away and an inferior opponent paying a visit, Columbia took the opportunity to work in a few players it may need for a playoff run. A couple even stepped up to help deliver another win over P.K. Yonge.
Columbia shortstop Brayden Thomas runs the bases against Union County on April 19.

Columbia shortstop Brayden Thomas runs the bases against Union County on April 19.

PREP BASEBALL: Parks’ arm, bat lead The Villages past Columbia

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
Carter Parks threw a complete-game three hitter and went 2 for 3 with three RBIs to lead The Villages Charter to a 6-2 upset win over Class 5A No. 3 Columbia on Thursday at the College of Central Florida. Park finished with 10 strikeouts as the Buffalo (12-12) won their third straight.
Columbia coach Brian Allen instructs his team during its first spring practice on Monday. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia coach Brian Allen instructs his team during its first spring practice on Monday. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Allen reenergized, 'batteries' recharged as Columbia begins spring practice

JORDAN KROEGER
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
Brian Allen was back on the practice field Monday for the first time in two years, once again the head coach in charge of Columbia’s first spring practice. Anyone watching him for more than a few minutes could tell he hasn’t missed a beat. If anything, he was more energized.
Suwannee’s girls and boys track and field teams both placed second at the District 2-2A meet on Saturday. (COURTESY)

Suwannee’s girls and boys track and field teams both placed second at the District 2-2A meet on Saturday. (COURTESY)

PREP TRACK & FIELD: Suwannee girls, boys finish runner-up at District 2-2A meet

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
TALLAHASSEE — There was no district three-peat for the Suwannee girls track and field team. But the Bulldogs are still sending nine individuals in 14 events and one relay team to the regional meet after placing second Saturday in the District 2-2A meet at Florida High.
Columbia’s Seth Stockton leaps in the triple jump during the District 2-3A meet on Friday. (COURTESY)

Columbia’s Seth Stockton leaps in the triple jump during the District 2-3A meet on Friday. (COURTESY)

PREP TRACK & FIELD: Stockton, Norris win district titles for Columbia

JORDAN KROEGER
Friday, April 21, 2023
TALLAHASSEE — Seth Stockton surprised no one at the District 2-3A meet. His quest for a state title began with another district championship in the triple jump on Thursday at Chiles High School. The Columbia senior leapt 14.
Columbia second baseman Alex Collins (right) celebrates with catcher Emily Delgado after hitting a walk-off RBI single against Taylor County on Thursday night. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter).

Columbia second baseman Alex Collins (right) celebrates with catcher Emily Delgado after hitting a walk-off RBI single against Taylor County on Thursday night. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter).

PREP SOFTBALL: Collins earns redemption, lifts Columbia past Taylor County with walk-off single

JORDAN KROEGER
Thursday, April 20, 2023
Alex Collins dropped the ball, then redeemed herself. The second baseman hit a walk-off RBI single to deliver Columbia a come-from-behind 7-6 win over Taylor County at home Thursday night to sweep the season series.
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson speaks during the AFC head coaches availability at the NFL meetings on March 27 in Phoenix. (MATT YORK/Associated Press)

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson speaks during the AFC head coaches availability at the NFL meetings on March 27 in Phoenix. (MATT YORK/Associated Press)

NFL: Jaguars outside draft's top 10 for 2nd time in 16 years

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Thursday, April 20, 2023
JACKSONVILLE — Forgive the Jacksonville Jaguars if they’re not completely comfortable drafting at No. 24. After all, the Jaguars have picked in the top 10 a staggering 14 times in the past 15 years. It’s a remarkable stretch that provides a glimpse into the franchise’s recent futility.