Sports

Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz throws a pass as Minnesota defensive back Beanie Bishop pressures on Nov. 26 in Madison, Wis. (ANDY MANIS/Associated Press)

Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz throws a pass as Minnesota defensive back Beanie Bishop pressures on Nov. 26 in Madison, Wis. (ANDY MANIS/Associated Press)

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Former Wisconsin QB Graham Mertz to play for Florida in 2023

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wednesday, December 21, 2022
GAINESVILLE — Former Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz is transferring to Florida, giving the Gators an experienced starter at a depleted position. Mertz announced his commitment on social media Wednesday. He is expected to enroll at the Southeastern Conference school in January.
Jacksonville Jaguars safety Rayshawn Jenkins (2) celebrates with fans after his interception return for a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday in Jacksonville. (JOHN RAOUX/Associated Press)

Jacksonville Jaguars safety Rayshawn Jenkins (2) celebrates with fans after his interception return for a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday in Jacksonville. (JOHN RAOUX/Associated Press)

NFL: Jets, Jaguars square off looking to keep playoff hopes alive

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wednesday, December 21, 2022
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.— Duane Brown saw no need to downplay what's ahead for the New York Jets. Their playoff hopes have been seriously damaged by a three-game losing streak. And they've got a short week to get themselves back in the AFC postseason hunt.
Columbia safety Amare Ferrell (7) and linebacker Jaden Robinson (5). JEN CHASTEEN/Special to the Reporter)

Columbia safety Amare Ferrell (7) and linebacker Jaden Robinson (5). JEN CHASTEEN/Special to the Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Columbia stars Ferrell, Robinson set to sign on Early Signing Day

JORDAN KROEGER
Tuesday, December 20, 2022
Early National Signing Day is Wednesday and two Columbia football players are set to sign their letters of intent. Linebacker Jaden Robinson and safety Amare Ferrell will sign at 9 a.m. in the school auditorium. Robinson is verbally committed to Florida, while Ferrell is committed to Indiana.
Columbia forward Seth Stockton dunks against Clay on Dec. 7. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia forward Seth Stockton dunks against Clay on Dec. 7. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP ROUNDUP: Scores and stats from 12/19/22 & 12/20/22

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, December 20, 2022
BOYS BASKETBALL Columbia 57, Auburndale 52: Isaac Broxey scored 22 points, including three 3-pointers, to lead the Tigers (6-2) past the Bloodhounds (8-2) in their opening game of the Battle on the Island tournament at Fleming Island on Tuesday.
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence throws a pass against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday in Jacksonville. (PHELAN M. EBENHACK/Associated Press)

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence throws a pass against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday in Jacksonville. (PHELAN M. EBENHACK/Associated Press)

NFL: Lawrence, Jags on rise after London eye-opener

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Tuesday, December 20, 2022
JACKSONVILLE — Trevor Lawrence boarded the eight-hour flight home, grabbed a seat near teammates, pulled out his tablet and pushed play. He wasted no time painfully reliving every offensive snap from the Jaguars’ 21-17 loss to Denver at Wembley Stadium in London, an Oct.
Columbia’s Jason Caballero dribbles up the field against Fort White’s Gavin Heaton on Monday night. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia’s Jason Caballero dribbles up the field against Fort White’s Gavin Heaton on Monday night. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

BOYS SOCCER: Brinson, Caballero score in second half to lead Columbia past Fort White

JORDAN KROEGER
Monday, December 19, 2022
Colt Patterson put up one of the best fights ever for a Fort White goalkeeper against Columbia. The junior made eight straight saves, keeping a relatively one-sided match scoreless into the 56th minute. Then he made save number nine, only this time he didn’t possess the ball.
Fort White forward Isreal Hart goes up for a shot against Suwannee guard Janeah Mitchell on Monday night. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Fort White forward Isreal Hart goes up for a shot against Suwannee guard Janeah Mitchell on Monday night. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Atkins, Hart power Fort White past Suwannee in nailbiter

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Monday, December 19, 2022
FORT WHITE — The good times keep rolling for Fort White after a seemingly shaky start to the season. The Indians rode the efforts of N’Coreyia Atkins and Isreal Hart on Monday night and did just enough to prevent one last shot from Suwannee to just eke out a 35-34 win in their home gym.
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson (left) celebrates with Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) after defeating the Dallas Cowboys in overtime on Sunday in Jacksonville. (JOHN RAOUX/Associated Press)

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson (left) celebrates with Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) after defeating the Dallas Cowboys in overtime on Sunday in Jacksonville. (JOHN RAOUX/Associated Press)

ANALYSIS: Jaguars have AFC South in sight, for this season and beyond

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Monday, December 19, 2022
JACKSONVILLE — No matter what happens in the AFC South over the next three weeks, there’s little doubt the Jacksonville Jaguars are poised to be factors in the division — and maybe the conference — for years to come. They have the coach. They have the quarterback. They have the chemistry.
Jacksonville Jaguars safety Rayshawn Jenkins (2) celebrates with linebacker Josh Allen (41) and linebacker Devin Lloyd (33) after his game-winning pick-6 against the Dallas Cowboys in overtime on Sunday in Jacksonville. (BOB SELF/The Florida Times-Union via AP)

Jacksonville Jaguars safety Rayshawn Jenkins (2) celebrates with linebacker Josh Allen (41) and linebacker Devin Lloyd (33) after his game-winning pick-6 against the Dallas Cowboys in overtime on Sunday in Jacksonville. (BOB SELF/The Florida Times-Union via AP)

NFL: Jaguars stun Cowboys in OT on Jenkins' pick-6

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Sunday, December 18, 2022
JACKSONVILLE — Rayshawn Jenkins snatched the ball inches from the ground and raced the other way. He could have played it safe and taken a knee or stepped out of bounds. But this wasn't the time or place — not for a guy who had never returned an interception for a touchdown. Not in the NFL.