Sports

Columbia goalkeeper Sadie Sparks kicks the ball away during a match against Wakulla last season. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia goalkeeper Sadie Sparks kicks the ball away during a match against Wakulla last season. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP ROUNDUP: Buchholz shuts out Columbia in season opener

Plagued by a variety of injuries and illnesses to its roster, Columbia was shut out by Buchholz 7-0 in the teams' season opener Monday night in Gainesville. Rebekah Goodson recorded a hat trick and also had two assists for the Bobcats (1-0) while Giuliana Burgetto added two goals.
Bolles running back Xander Edwards carries Columbia defenders for extra yardage during his team’s 31-0 win on Friday. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Bolles running back Xander Edwards carries Columbia defenders for extra yardage during his team’s 31-0 win on Friday. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Bolles shuts out Columbia heading into playoffs

Jeffery Pope was on the verge of preventing a shutout in the final minute, breaking through the line just three yards from the end zone. But as Columbia’s running back reached the 1-yard line, he fumbled the ball into the end zone and Ohio State commit Simeon Caldwell recovered for Bolles.
Fort White defensive end Josiah Harmon (9) and linebacker Teagan Bell combine for a tackle on Baker County’s Delynno Ruise in Friday’s 19-7 win. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Fort White defensive end Josiah Harmon (9) and linebacker Teagan Bell combine for a tackle on Baker County’s Delynno Ruise in Friday’s 19-7 win. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Fort White's defense steps up, shuts down Baker County

FORT WHITE — All the questions on the Indians’ minds were answered Friday night at Arrowhead Stadium. Emphatically.  Would the defense hold up to a strong Baker County rush attack? Could Jayden Jackson return to form as the team’s starting quarterback moving forward?
Chipley linebacker Tucker Locke blocks Lafayette kicker Alex Townsend’s extra point attempt that ended up being the difference in the game Friday. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

Chipley linebacker Tucker Locke blocks Lafayette kicker Alex Townsend’s extra point attempt that ended up being the difference in the game Friday. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Blocked extra point allows Chipley to rally past Lafayette

MAYO — Every time Lafayette landed a blow Friday night, Chipley countered. The Tigers, though, were also willing to take advantage of the few miscues the Hornets committed at Dale Walker Field to escape with a 21-20 win. After Class Rural No.
Suwannee defensive ends Reese Bronson (55) and Kyler Watson (24) tackle Chiles receiver Cade Frier on Thursday. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee defensive ends Reese Bronson (55) and Kyler Watson (24) tackle Chiles receiver Cade Frier on Thursday. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Suwannee's disastrous season ends with ninth loss to Chiles

TALLAHASSEE — Suwannee's “wild dog” offense had a wild night Thursday at Chiles. But not as wild as the Timberwolves, who scored on their first eight possessions to run past the Bulldogs 55-28.
Columbia had four swimmers qualify for the Region 1-3A meet this week. Pictured are Columbia coach Ryan Shoemaker (left) and all four qualifiers: Brie Fair (from left), Alli Jenkins, Emma Fielding and Gabby Tonetti. (COURTESY)

Columbia had four swimmers qualify for the Region 1-3A meet this week. Pictured are Columbia coach Ryan Shoemaker (left) and all four qualifiers: Brie Fair (from left), Alli Jenkins, Emma Fielding and Gabby Tonetti. (COURTESY)

PREP SWIMMING: Fair wins District 2-3A title, 4 Tigers qualify for regionals

Brie Fair swam to victory at the District 2-3A meet on Tuesday, winning the 100 backstroke for Columbia’s lone title. Fair won the event with a time of 1:07.06, one of three events she qualified in for regionals.
Columbia running back Drew Simmons returns a kickoff against Clay last Friday. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia running back Drew Simmons returns a kickoff against Clay last Friday. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Columbia closes regular season with playoff rehearsal against Bolles

It’s not just Senior Night, or another regular-season finale. It’s also the perfect test right before the start of the playoffs, a test that’ll show just how ready Columbia is to make a deep postseason run. The Class 4A No. 9 Tigers (8-1) will welcome Class 2A No.