Sports

Fort White outfielder Gracie Clemons (left) reacts next to pitcher Kadence Compton after making the final out of the Class 1A state championship against Jay at Legend Way Ballfields on Wednesday in Clermont. The Royals won 6-5, holding on after the Indians loaded the bases with two outs in the seventh inning. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

PREP SOFTBALL: Fort White’s comeback falls short against Jay in Class 1A championship

MORGAN MCMULLEN

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

CLERMONT — If Ella Nelson stood a few feet further to either side, Fort White and Jay might still be playing. Royals relief pitcher Alayna Lowery was already reeling. She inherited a three-run lead just one inning earlier.

Branford running back Caden Coker rushes up the field against Bell during their spring jamboree on Tuesday. (ROB WOLFE/Special to the Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Branford beats Bell, ties Hamilton County in spring jamboree

CONCEPCION LEDEZMA

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

JASPER — As odd as this may sound, the best thing to happen to Branford may have been when standout running back/linebacker Caden Coker fumbled the ball away on his first carry in Monday’s spring jamboree.

Fort White pitcher Kadence Compton celebrates after hitting a home run against Dixie County in the Class 1A state semifinals at Legends Way Ballfields on Tuesday in Clermont. (WILL TURNER/Special to the Reporter)

PREP SOFTBALL: Fort White holds on to beat Dixie County in Class 1A state semis

MORGAN MCMULLEN

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

CLERMONT — Kadence Compton is used to 0-2 counts in the circle. The freshman pitcher for Fort White is usually a strikeout machine, having posted 14 in the Indians’ 4-0 win over Union County in the regional finals.

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne practices a punt return drill during practice on Monday in Jacksonville. (JOHN RAOUX/Associated Press)

NFL: Jags RB Etienne returns after foot injury derails rookie year

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

JACKSONVILLE — Travis Etienne had several regrets about having to sit out his rookie season. He longed for the camaraderie, the competition and the chance to play in the NFL, his main goal since he was a kid growing up in Jennings, Louisiana. There was one bright spot, though.

Suwannee head coach Justin Bruce pulls pitcher Matthew Gill from the mound during the Class 4A state semifinals on Monday at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers. (CHRIS TILLEY/Special to the Reporter)

PREP BASEBALL: Suwannee falls to Island Coast in Class 4A state semifinals

JORDAN KROEGER

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

FORT MYERS — No team has been able to cool off Suwannee for nearly two months. That changed on Monday. Island Coast pitcher Kevin Martinez stopped the Bulldogs cold in their tracks, time and time again. He struck out 11 — seven looking — and was only slowed down by a lightning delay.

Fort White fell to Ridgeview 31-23 in the teams' spring game on Monday night. (CHRISTINA FEAGIN/Special to the Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Fort White comes up short against Ridgeview in spring game

CONCEPCION LEDEZMA

Monday, May 23, 2022

FORT WHITE — Fort White’s potential for explosiveness was evident in the early going during its spring game against visiting Ridgeview.

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson (center) directs practice on Monday in Jacksonville. At right is quarterback Trevor Lawrence. (JOHN RAOUX/Associated Press)

NFL: Jaguars still recovering from Urban Meyer era

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Monday, May 23, 2022

JACKSONVILLE — Marvin Jones had a smile on his face and a pep in his step as the Jacksonville Jaguars went through their first organized team activity Monday. The veteran receiver may have been more relieved than anyone in the building for a fresh start. A new head coach. A mostly new staff.

Justin Thomas holds the Wanamaker Trophy after winning the PGA Championship in a playoff against Will Zalatoris at Southern Hills Country Club on Sunday in Tulsa, Okla. (ERIC GAY/Associated Press)

PRO GOLF: Thomas edges Zalatoris in playoff to win 2nd PGA title after 7-shot rally

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Sunday, May 22, 2022

TULSA, Okla.— Justin Thomas didn't pay attention to any score but his own Sunday in the PGA Championship, knowing he was seven shots behind but with only six players ahead of him on a Southern Hills course where anything could happen.

Columbia linebacker Jaden Robinson takes down Bartram Trail quarterback Riley Trujillo during the teams' spring game on Friday night. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Robinson's scoop-and-score all Tigers need to shut out Bears in spring game

CONCEPCION LEDEZMA

Saturday, May 21, 2022

Besides the fact the spring football game was delayed one hour because of lightning threat, the contest between host Columbia and Bartram Tail lacked the offensive explosion the teams showed during their matchup last spring, when Bartram Trail prevailed 29-20.

Columbia pitcher Brayden Thomas pitches against Eau Gallie during Thursday's Class 5A state semifinal. (CHRIS TILLEY/Special to the Reporter)

COMMENTARY: The bar has been raised for baseball at Columbia

JORDAN KROEGER

Friday, May 20, 2022

History can never be taken away. I hope this group at Columbia remembers that. What the Tigers accomplished this season was remarkable. It had never been done, making the Final Four for the first time in program history. Baseball isn’t exactly rich in playoff success at CHS.