Sports

Branford setter/middle blocker Mylie Fernandez (left) was voted the Florida Dairy Farmers Class Rural Volleyball Player of the Year and head coach Lachelle Sikes (right) was voted the Rural Coach of the Year. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

Branford setter/middle blocker Mylie Fernandez (left) was voted the Florida Dairy Farmers Class Rural Volleyball Player of the Year and head coach Lachelle Sikes (right) was voted the Rural Coach of the Year. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP VOLLEYBALL: Fernandez, Sikes voted Class Rural Player & Coach of the Year

JORDAN KROEGER
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
BRANFORD — Fresh off a state title, Branford setter/middle blocker Mylie Fernandez and head coach Lachelle Sikes earned statewide recognition this week.
Columbia defensive end Kyten Davis pours out his emotions following the Tigers’ 27-20 loss to Choctaw in the Region 1-4A semifinals on Friday. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia defensive end Kyten Davis pours out his emotions following the Tigers’ 27-20 loss to Choctaw in the Region 1-4A semifinals on Friday. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

COMMENTARY: Columbia’s latest playoff heartbreak its worst yet under Allen

JORDAN KROEGER
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
Playoff heartbreaks have become a rite of passage at Columbia. Friday night’s collapse at Choctawhatchee was just the next in a long line of them for the Tigers, who squandered a 13-point lead and lost 27-20 in the Region 1-4A semifinals.
Fort White receiver Desean Lally scores a touchdown against Wildwood during the FIT quarterfinals on Nov. 20. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Fort White receiver Desean Lally scores a touchdown against Wildwood during the FIT quarterfinals on Nov. 20. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

COMMENTARY: Fort White making the most of a sham tournament

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
FORT WHITE — I’m not sure it was worth playing either.  A game of football happened at Arrowhead Stadium Thursday night. The visitors, willing participants in their own humiliation of the second round of the Florida Invitational Tournament, can hardly be blamed for their performance.
Columbia running back Kameron Mills is stopped by Choctaw safety Alante Reese two yards short of the first down on 4th-and-4 in the final minute of Friday's Region 1-4A semifinal. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia running back Kameron Mills is stopped by Choctaw safety Alante Reese two yards short of the first down on 4th-and-4 in the final minute of Friday's Region 1-4A semifinal. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Choctaw rallies with final 20 points to stun Columbia in Region 1-4A semis

JORDAN KROEGER
Saturday, November 22, 2025
FORT WALTON BEACH — In full control of the game up 13 points late in the third quarter, Columbia punter Mathan Cook awaited a snap from his own end zone. What transpired after that for the final 15-plus minutes was an epic comeback by Choctawhatchee and a heartbreaking collapse by Columbia.
Fort White running back John'l Lawson breaks a tackle on his way to a touchdown against Wildwood during the FIT quarterfinals on Thursday. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Fort White running back John'l Lawson breaks a tackle on his way to a touchdown against Wildwood during the FIT quarterfinals on Thursday. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Fort White blows out Wildwood to advance to FIT championship

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Friday, November 21, 2025
FORT WHITE — The Indians could’ve been excused for coming out flat. After all, they were coming off a three-week layoff, playing on a Thursday night against an unprepared opponent, all for a tournament in which they initially did not want to participate.