Sports

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

NEWS STAFF
Thursday, November 13, 2025
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

JORDAN KROEGER
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
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

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
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

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
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

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
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.
Chiles' Hailey LaMothe fends off Columbia's AJ Stanley on Tuesday night. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Chiles' Hailey LaMothe fends off Columbia's AJ Stanley on Tuesday night. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP ROUNDUP: Chiles pummels Columbia in shutout

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Chiles pummeled Columbia goalkeeper Sadie Sparks with a ton of shots, sending six by her in a 6-0 win Tuesday night at CYSA. The Timberwolves (4-1) struck for four goals in the first half and dominated possession throughout the night.
Columbia's Josiah Hopkins (12) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against Keystone Heights on Monday. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia's Josiah Hopkins (12) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against Keystone Heights on Monday. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP ROUNDUP: Columbia shuts out Keystone Heights to remain undefeated

NEWS STAFF
Monday, November 10, 2025
Five different players scored goals as Columbia shut out Keystone Heights 5-0 on Monday night at CYSA. Josiah Hopkins, Colyn Weatherspoon, Brendan Schwartz, Peyton Palmer and Ryan Steele all found the back of the net for the Tigers (4-0), with Steele’s goal coming on a penalty kick.
Columbia's Peyton Palmer battles for possession against Suwannee on Wednesday. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia's Peyton Palmer battles for possession against Suwannee on Wednesday. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Lake City Reporter)

PREP ROUNDUP: Columbia's soccer teams finish first week with district wins

NEWS STAFF
Friday, November 7, 2025
Gage Logan broke a 1-1 tie in the second half, scoring off an assist from Peyton Palmer to lift Columbia’s boys soccer team to a 2-1 win over Middleburg in District 3-5A action Friday night at CYSA. Logan also assisted Colyn Weatherspoon’s goal in the first half.