Sports

Columbia quarterback Tyler Jefferson, trying to avoid a Union County defender last Friday, will try to deliver the Tigers their first win of the season Friday when Deland visits. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia quarterback Tyler Jefferson, trying to avoid a Union County defender last Friday, will try to deliver the Tigers their first win of the season Friday when Deland visits. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Tigers looking for first win to jumpstart season

JORDAN KROEGER
Wednesday, September 7, 2022
The words have reverberated throughout the Columbia locker room this week. Just get one. The Tigers believe one win can get their season turned around after a surprising 0-2 start.
Fort White’s Najeeb Smith looks for a crease in the Newberry defense in the Indians’ 34-17 loss last week. (CHRISTINA FEAGIN/Special to the Reporter)

Fort White’s Najeeb Smith looks for a crease in the Newberry defense in the Indians’ 34-17 loss last week. (CHRISTINA FEAGIN/Special to the Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Indians look for revenge against Keystone

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, September 7, 2022
FORT WHITE — When the Indians suit up to take on Keystone Heights, they’ll do so without one of the more impactful linemen on their roster. Still, considering the recent history between the two teams, motivation won’t be an issue.
Suwannee defensive lineman Robert Robinson wraps up Hamilton County quarterback Chance Cherry last Friday. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee defensive lineman Robert Robinson wraps up Hamilton County quarterback Chance Cherry last Friday. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: ’Dogs will get identity lesson from Indians

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, September 7, 2022
LIVE OAK — Two weeks into the season, the Suwannee Bulldogs are still trying to figure out exactly what kind of team they are. Are they physical or finesse? Do the Bulldogs’ teeth come out on defense or do they enjoy flashing their offensive skill?
Branford quarterback Cohen David looks for room to run against Fort White in a Preseason Classic game Aug. 19. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Branford quarterback Cohen David looks for room to run against Fort White in a Preseason Classic game Aug. 19. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Buccaneers braced for challenge from Bulldogs

CONCEPCION LEDEZMA
Wednesday, September 7, 2022
BRANFORD — Just moments following Branford’s invigorating 54-0 victory against overmatched Bronson at home, coach Tim Clark made sure to give his team a reality check. “As soon as the clock ran out on Friday, our message to them was ‘Hey, next week is not going to be like this,’” Clark said.
A pair of Lafayette High defenders wrap up a Taylor County ballcarrier last week. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Special to the Reporter)

A pair of Lafayette High defenders wrap up a Taylor County ballcarrier last week. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Special to the Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Lafayette looks to regroup against Hamilton County

CONCEPCION LEDEZMA
Wednesday, September 7, 2022
MAYO — The game couldn’t have started any better for Lafayette last Friday at Taylor County. LHS took the opening possession, used up 11 plays to build a 6-0 lead on Kiami McKnight 1-yard run. “We wanted to establish the run early on, and we did that,” Lafayette coach Marcus Edwards said.
Florida State running back Trey Benson (3) fights for extra yardage as Duquesne defenders pursue in the Seminoles' Week 1 game in Tallahassee. (PHIL SEARS/Associated Press)

Florida State running back Trey Benson (3) fights for extra yardage as Duquesne defenders pursue in the Seminoles' Week 1 game in Tallahassee. (PHIL SEARS/Associated Press)

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: ACC gets shot to boost reputation

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wednesday, September 7, 2022
DURHAM, N.C. — Duke coach Mike Elko has been around college football long enough to know how the season’s opening month can shape the perception of a league’s strength. That’s important in the weeks ahead for the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Florida coach Billy Napier, front right, and quarterback Anthony Richardson (15) watch from the sideline during the first half of the team's Week 1 game against Utah. (PHELAN M. EBENHACK/Associated Press)

Florida coach Billy Napier, front right, and quarterback Anthony Richardson (15) watch from the sideline during the first half of the team's Week 1 game against Utah. (PHELAN M. EBENHACK/Associated Press)

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEC teams get more chances for September statements

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wednesday, September 7, 2022
The Southeastern Conference was perhaps one blocked kick away from perfection last weekend, with a few impressive nonconference victories and some no-brainers. For teams like No. 1 Alabama and No.
Florida linebacker Amari Burney (2) is swarmed by teammates on the sideline after making a game-saving interception in the end zone near the end of Saturday's game against Utah in Gainesville. (PHELAN M. EBENHACK/Associated Press)

Florida linebacker Amari Burney (2) is swarmed by teammates on the sideline after making a game-saving interception in the end zone near the end of Saturday's game against Utah in Gainesville. (PHELAN M. EBENHACK/Associated Press)

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Florida skyrockets to No. 12 in AP Top 25

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Tuesday, September 6, 2022
Florida debuted at No. 12 in the first Associated Press college football poll of the regular season after its thrilling victory at home against Utah on Saturday night. The Gators' jump from unranked to No.
Seth Slanker (left) and Jackson Swisher show off their catches at the 2022 Strike King Bassmaster College Series National Championship. (COURTESY FGC)

Seth Slanker (left) and Jackson Swisher show off their catches at the 2022 Strike King Bassmaster College Series National Championship. (COURTESY FGC)

COLLEGE FISHING: FGC finishes national runners-up

TONY BRITT
Monday, September 5, 2022
The Florida Gateway College bass fishing team of Seth Slanker and Jackson Swisher came within 3 pounds, seven ounces, of capturing a national title Sunday afternoon during the 2022 Strike King Bassmaster College Series National Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops.
Columbia quarterback Tyler Jefferson scrambles up the field against Union County on Friday. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia quarterback Tyler Jefferson scrambles up the field against Union County on Friday. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK: 4 things that stood out in Week 2

JORDAN KROEGER
Monday, September 5, 2022
Turnovers bit Columbia again Friday night in a 31-27 loss to Union County. The Tigers turned the ball over four times for the second straight week and it’s resulted in an 0-2 start to the season.