Sports

Lafayette quarterback Tywan Williamson gets buried by the Williston defense during Friday night’s Class Rural quarterfinal. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

Lafayette quarterback Tywan Williamson gets buried by the Williston defense during Friday night’s Class Rural quarterfinal. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Williston's big plays knock Lafayette out of Rural playoffs

WILLISTON — The Hornets knew coming into their playoff matchup that any shot at success meant limiting the Red Devils’ time on offense.  They mostly lived up to that task. In fact, Williston ran just 19 plays on the night, finishing 0 for 6 on third-down conversions.  But the No.
Branford quarterback Trent Land gets his facemask pulled by a Hawthorne defender during Friday night’s Class Rural quarterfinal. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Branford quarterback Trent Land gets his facemask pulled by a Hawthorne defender during Friday night’s Class Rural quarterfinal. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Hawthorne shuts out Branford in first round of Rural playoffs again

HAWTHORNE — Three runs and a Hawthorne penalty gave Branford a first down to open the Class Rural playoff opener. Then Trent Land found TC Smith streaking wide open behind the Hornets’ defense for 47 yards. It was about as good of a start as the Buccaneers could have asked for.
Columbia's Braxton Dicks chases down possession of the ball against Keystone Heights on Nov. 10. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia's Braxton Dicks chases down possession of the ball against Keystone Heights on Nov. 10. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP ROUNDUP: Columbia battles to draw with Lincoln

Logan Wheeldon made three saves, including a penalty kick, to keep Lincoln off the scoreboard and allow Columbia to escape with a 0-0 draw Friday night at CYSA. The Tigers (4-0-1) battled through a high-intensity match against the Trojans (3-0-1) that featured several yellow cards.
Suwannee golfer Ryan Donaldson (middle) signs her letter of intent to play at Oklahoma on Wednesday. (COURTESY)

Suwannee golfer Ryan Donaldson (middle) signs her letter of intent to play at Oklahoma on Wednesday. (COURTESY)

GIRLS GOLF: Signing with Oklahoma a dream come true for Suwannee's Donaldson

LIVE OAK — For as long as she can remember, Suwannee senior golfer Ryan Donaldson has dreamed of competing in college. On Wednesday, Donaldson’s childhood dream became reality when she signed her letter of intent to play at the University of Oklahoma at the Suwannee Country Club.
Columbia's Laelle Thompson tries to maintain possession against Chiles on Nov. 11. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia's Laelle Thompson tries to maintain possession against Chiles on Nov. 11. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP ROUNDUP: Columbia bounces back with shutout over Santa Fe

Laelle Thompson scored two goals while goalkeeper Sadie Sparks made six saves to lead Columbia to a 6-0 shutout over Santa Fe on the road Thursday night. Marlee Hunt, Jenavieve Farer, Leah Shields and Zoe Bulock each added a goal for the Tigers (2-2).
Columbia quarterback Xavier Collins tries to escape pressure from the Bolles defense on Oct. 31. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia quarterback Xavier Collins tries to escape pressure from the Bolles defense on Oct. 31. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Rickards brings battle-tested edge into playoff opener vs. Columbia

It’s been one-and-done for Columbia in the playoffs the past two seasons. And while the Tigers may be big favorites come Friday night to finally advance on for the first time since 2022, they’re well aware that Rickards’ sub-.
Lafayette linebacker Trevor Byrd (1) comes in to assist Alex Townsend (20) on a tackle against Chipley’s Jakobe McKinnie on Oct. 31. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

Lafayette linebacker Trevor Byrd (1) comes in to assist Alex Townsend (20) on a tackle against Chipley’s Jakobe McKinnie on Oct. 31. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Williston's relentless rushing attack awaits Lafayette in Rural playoffs

MAYO — It’s felt longer than two weeks.  But for coach Marcus Edwards and the Hornets, it could be time well spent.  After Lafayette (8-2) slipped in its finale against Chipley thanks to a blocked extra point, the Hornets continued to fall. Originally ranked No.
Branford running back TC Smith (6) celebrates with receiver Maurice Vought after scoring a touchdown against Hilliard on Sept. 26. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

Branford running back TC Smith (6) celebrates with receiver Maurice Vought after scoring a touchdown against Hilliard on Sept. 26. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Branford hopes to stun Hawthorne in Rural playoffs

BRANFORD — Branford knows it isn’t given much of a chance Friday night. In traveling to No. 2 Hawthorne to open up the Class Rural state playoffs at 7:30 p.m., the 15th-seeded Buccaneers are expected to have a similar outcome to last year’s 56-0 loss to the Hornets.
Suwannee's Rember Alonso gathers possession against Columbia on Nov. 5. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee's Rember Alonso gathers possession against Columbia on Nov. 5. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Lake City Reporter)

PREP ROUNDUP: Suwannee holds off Gainesville for first win

After going scoreless through the first four matches of the season, the Suwannee boys soccer team broke through with three goals in the first half before holding off Gainesville for a 3-2 road win on Wednesday.