Sports

JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter Branford celebrates after sweeping Williston in the Class Rural state semifinals on Tuesday. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter Branford celebrates after sweeping Williston in the Class Rural state semifinals on Tuesday. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP VOLLEYBALL: Branford sweeps Williston to advance to another state title match

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
WINTER HAVEN — The chants came early and often from red-garbed supporters in the Winter Haven Health Center gym at Polk State College.  The repeated word was loud and clear. “Overrated!” The growing cries accompanied a brief Williston rally to get within one point early in the first set.
Columbia quarterback Xavier Collins tries to escape a Bolles’ tackler during Friday’s 31-0 loss. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia quarterback Xavier Collins tries to escape a Bolles’ tackler during Friday’s 31-0 loss. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

ANALYSIS: Columbia’s offense running out of time to find answers

JORDAN KROEGER
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Friday’s shutout loss to Bolles has Columbia’s offense searching for answers. The Tigers have an extra week to find them, but they better do so quickly because the playoffs are upon us.
Fort White quarterback Jayden Jackson rolls out to pass during Friday’s win over Baker County. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Fort White quarterback Jayden Jackson rolls out to pass during Friday’s win over Baker County. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

ANALYSIS: Fort White resolving issues at right time

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
FORT WHITE — Uncertainty breeds frustration. And following a 25-7 loss in Week 9 to Newberry, it all could’ve easily boiled over for Fort White.  The Indians (6-4) had just suffered their third defeat in five games. They were on the verge of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2019.
Suwannee coach Kyler Hall addresses his team following last Thursday’s loss to Chiles. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee coach Kyler Hall addresses his team following last Thursday’s loss to Chiles. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Lake City Reporter)

COMMENTARY: Suwannee’s centennial season a year to forget

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
LIVE OAK — It was a season unlike many others in Suwannee history. The 100th season in the program annals, it turned out to be among the sixth worst when it comes to wins and defensive performance. The one led to the other.
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

NEWS STAFF
Monday, November 3, 2025
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

JORDAN KROEGER
Saturday, November 1, 2025
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

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Saturday, November 1, 2025
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?