Sports

Columbia coach Brian Allen won his 100th game on Friday when the Tigers defeated Trinity Christian 27-20. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia coach Brian Allen won his 100th game on Friday when the Tigers defeated Trinity Christian 27-20. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Lake City Reporter)

ANALYSIS: Allen joins exclusive club at Columbia with 100th win

JORDAN KROEGER
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
It wasn’t just a number for Columbia coach Brian Allen.Rather, win number 100 was a homecoming, a redemption, and a moment of reflection for a man who never planned to be here again.
Fort White quarterback Matthew Pitts lines up for a snap during Friday’s win over Union County. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Fort White quarterback Matthew Pitts lines up for a snap during Friday’s win over Union County. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

ANALYSIS: Fort White QBs back to full strength

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
FORT WHITE — The panic button remains unpressed in southern Columbia County. It’s not for a lack of stressful situations. The Indians played their Week 3 game without starting quarterback Matthew Pitts, who was out tending to a family emergency the day of the game.
Suwannee defensive lineman Kamari Thompson tackles Hamilton County running back Matthew Berry on Friday. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee defensive lineman Kamari Thompson tackles Hamilton County running back Matthew Berry on Friday. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

ANALYSIS: Suwannee can’t afford another flat start

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
LIVE OAK — For one half Friday night, Suwannee seemed intent on being its own biggest roadblock. Seeking their 24th straight win against traditional rival Hamilton County, the Bulldogs came out scuffling offensively.
Columbia running back Jerome Horne breaks into the open field against Trinity Christian on Friday. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia running back Jerome Horne breaks into the open field against Trinity Christian on Friday. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Lake City Reporter)

VARSITY WEEKLY: FHSAA releases first football rankings, setting up a top-5 showdown

JORDAN KROEGER
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
The first Florida High School Athletic Association power rankings are out and, as expected, it’s set up a huge showdown this Friday. Columbia (5-0) is ranked fifth overall in Class 4A and third in Region 1-4A with a 14.252 rating ahead of this week’s district test at St.
Columbia defensive lineman Terry Henry douses head coach Brian Allen with water after Allen recorded his 100th win. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia defensive lineman Terry Henry douses head coach Brian Allen with water after Allen recorded his 100th win. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Columbia holds off Trinity Christian for Allen’s 100th coaching win

JORDAN KROEGER
Saturday, September 20, 2025
First, fireworks went off in celebration.Then, the game ball was presented to Columbia coach Brian Allen.Following that, a video montage played from family, friends and former players. It even featured Florida State head coach Mike Norvell congratulating him on his 100th win.
Suwannee defensive end Hunter Watson sacks Hamilton County quarterback Haigen Johnson on Friday. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee defensive end Hunter Watson sacks Hamilton County quarterback Haigen Johnson on Friday. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Suwannee routs Hamilton County for first win

JAMIE WACHTER
Saturday, September 20, 2025
LIVE OAK — In dire need of a win and leading just 7-0 at halftime against a traditional rival they’ve dominated, the message for the Suwannee Bulldogs was simple: relax.
Columbia receiver Kyren Caldwell turns up field after a catch against Madison County last Friday. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia receiver Kyren Caldwell turns up field after a catch against Madison County last Friday. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Columbia eyes revenge vs. Trinity Christian ahead of district showdown

JORDAN KROEGER
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
The biggest game of the season may still be a week away, but Columbia isn’t looking ahead. All eyes this week are on Trinity Christian Academy. The Tigers (4-0) welcome the Conquerors (1-3) to Tiger Stadium on Friday for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.
Fort White linebacker Dreyson Lally makes a tackle against Fernandina Beach last Friday. (ASHLEY CHANDLER/Fernandina Beach News-Leader)

Fort White linebacker Dreyson Lally makes a tackle against Fernandina Beach last Friday. (ASHLEY CHANDLER/Fernandina Beach News-Leader)

PREP FOOTBALL: Stopping Union County RB Simmons ‘paramount’ for Fort White

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
FORT WHITE — The Indians know exactly what’s coming in Friday’s game against Union County. Now all that’s left is to figure out a way to finally stop it. Fort White (2-2) has been left looking for answers for four weeks now after its run defense has given up more than 150 yards in each contest.