Sports

Suwannee running back Malachi Graham stiff arms a Hamilton County defender during the teams’ Preseason Classic on Aug. 20. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Special to the Reporter)

Suwannee running back Malachi Graham stiff arms a Hamilton County defender during the teams’ Preseason Classic on Aug. 20. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Special to the Reporter)

SUWANNEE FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Bulldogs stressing special teams as key to district, postseason breakthrough

JAMIE WACHTER
Thursday, August 26, 2021
LIVE OAK — For the past five years, Suwannee has been close to some special accomplishments. District titles, home playoff games, and playoff wins have all slipped through the Bulldogs’ grasps. All have avoided Suwannee, in part, because of special teams breakdowns.
Fort White quarterback Clayton Philpot turns to hand the ball off against Middleburg during the teams’ Preseason Classic on Aug. 20. (CHRISTINA FEAGIN/Special to the Reporter)

Fort White quarterback Clayton Philpot turns to hand the ball off against Middleburg during the teams’ Preseason Classic on Aug. 20. (CHRISTINA FEAGIN/Special to the Reporter)

FORT WHITE FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Season of uncertainty begins for Indians following departures from coaches, players

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Thursday, August 26, 2021
FORT WHITE — Houston Crews doesn’t expect too much of himself. After all, he’s learning a new offense under a new offensive coordinator. In fact, his role has been ever evolving since he started at Fort White. When he joined the JV team as a ninth-grader, Crews was simply a kicker.
Branford defensive back Brice Criggall (27) lays out for a tackle against Chiefland during the teams’ Preseason Classic on Aug. 20. (BRIAN LEWIS/Special to the Reporter)

Branford defensive back Brice Criggall (27) lays out for a tackle against Chiefland during the teams’ Preseason Classic on Aug. 20. (BRIAN LEWIS/Special to the Reporter)

BRANFORD FOOTBALL PREVIEW: After 3 straight regional berths, Bucs eye first playoff victory since 2000

JAMIE WACHTER
Thursday, August 26, 2021
BRANFORD — The Branford Buccaneers have been right there, right on the cusp of a breakthrough. Three straight Class 1A playoff appearances have netted three straight first-round exits. The last two have been by a total of two points.
Branford’s Evie Pitts rises to block a shot from Columbia’s Zimora Owens during a match last season. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

Branford’s Evie Pitts rises to block a shot from Columbia’s Zimora Owens during a match last season. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

VOLLEYBALL PREVIEW: A look at the teams from Columbia, Fort White, Suwannee & Branford

JORDAN KROEGER
Thursday, August 26, 2021
Just one team made the playoffs a season ago, with Branford making a run to the regional finals. Will that change in 2021? A lot of that depends on offseason improvement. Last year was a rebuild year for Columbia with just one senior on the roster, but this season returns almost the entire roster.
Last season’s LCR Boys Golfer of the Year Ty Folsom returns to lead Columbia. (MANDI SLOAN/Special to the Reporter)

Last season’s LCR Boys Golfer of the Year Ty Folsom returns to lead Columbia. (MANDI SLOAN/Special to the Reporter)

BOYS GOLF PREVIEW: A look at the teams from Columbia, Suwannee & Branford

JORDAN KROEGER
Thursday, August 26, 2021
The area has a team lined with state contenders, while the other two are hoping for growth throughout the upcoming season. Columbia is aiming to win a third straight district title and make a third straight trip to state.
Two-time LCR Runner of the Year Audrey Fender returns for Columbia in 2021. (SHELBY CONKLIN/Special to the Reporter)

Two-time LCR Runner of the Year Audrey Fender returns for Columbia in 2021. (SHELBY CONKLIN/Special to the Reporter)

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY PREVIEW: A look at the girls from Columbia, Fort White, Suwannee & Branford

JORDAN KROEGER
Thursday, August 26, 2021
One team has the area’s top runner, another said goodbye to its top two runners, and the other has continuity. Columbia’s roster is struggling to field seven runners after three graduated last season, including all-area honoree Mackenzie Conklin.
Columbia swimmer Kaydence Clark is one of the top returners for the girls this season. (SHELBY CONKLIN/Special to the Reporter)

Columbia swimmer Kaydence Clark is one of the top returners for the girls this season. (SHELBY CONKLIN/Special to the Reporter)

SWIMMING PREVIEW: A look at the boys & girls from Columbia & Suwannee

JORDAN KROEGER
Thursday, August 26, 2021
Three of the top five boys swimmers at Columbia return from last season, including all-area honoree Jayden Drew. While Drew qualified for regionals in the 50 free in 2020, Matt Glover and Seth Grubb aim to join him this fall. The trio could potentially do it in multiple events.
Columbia receiver Jace Hoskey tries to escape a tackle against Vanguard during the teams' Preseason Classic on Aug. 20. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia receiver Jace Hoskey tries to escape a tackle against Vanguard during the teams' Preseason Classic on Aug. 20. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

CHS FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK: Weather & quarantines keep making preparations harder for Tigers

JORDAN KROEGER
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
There’s been plenty of curveballs thrown Demetric Jackson’s way since he took over as Columbia’s new head coach. Players have been in and out of covid-19 quarantines. Sometimes the heat index is too high and practice gets delayed. And sometimes, lightning strikes and practice is called early.