Sports

Suwannee libero Ansleigh Kelley dives for a dig against Columbia on Oct. 9. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee libero Ansleigh Kelley dives for a dig against Columbia on Oct. 9. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP ROUNDUP: Suwannee falls to Wakulla in District 2-4A championship

NEWS STAFF
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Parker Stubbs had 21 kills while Amariyah Donaldson and Taylor Mercer each had 11 to lead No. 1 seed Wakulla to a 3-1 win (25-19, 20-25, 28-26, 25-16) over No. 2 seed Suwannee in the District 2-4A championship on Thursday night in Crawfordville.
Branford's volleyball team celebrates with fans after defeating Union County to win the District 6-R title on Thursday. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

Branford's volleyball team celebrates with fans after defeating Union County to win the District 6-R title on Thursday. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP VOLLEYBALL: Branford beats Union County again for third straight District 6-R title

JORDAN KROEGER
Thursday, October 16, 2025
LAKE BUTLER — The more things change, the more they stay the same for Branford. With several new players and a new head coach, the Buccaneers are district champions once again. Led by Adriauna Combs’ 18 kills and 15 more from Lalyn Sikes, No.
Fort White running back Ezekiel Powell sprints around the Zarephath Academy defense during last Friday’s 49-6 win. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Fort White running back Ezekiel Powell sprints around the Zarephath Academy defense during last Friday’s 49-6 win. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Fort White will have hands full with Woods, Newberry

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
FORT WHITE — The upside to this matchup is that Fort White knows exactly what — and who — to expect.  Kaleb Woods and Newberry are set to visit Arrowhead Stadium this Friday for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff. The Indians (4-3, 3.
Suwannee quarterback Thomas Sikes throws a pass against Baker County last Friday. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee quarterback Thomas Sikes throws a pass against Baker County last Friday. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Suwannee still trying to finish against Taylor County

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
LIVE OAK — Suwannee is looking to cut its close game problem in half. Specifically, the Bulldogs are eyeing troubles closing out first halves as a possible solution to coming up with the key play or two to turn close losses into wins, starting Friday at Dorsett Stadium in Perry.
Branford hitter Adriauna Combs delivers a shot past Lafayette's Copelyn Johnson and Maci Wimberley (4) on Oct. 9. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter).

Branford hitter Adriauna Combs delivers a shot past Lafayette's Copelyn Johnson and Maci Wimberley (4) on Oct. 9. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter).

PREP ROUNDUP: Branford sweeps Bell, Lafayette swept by Union County in District 6-R semis

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
No. 1 seed Branford swept No. 5 seed Bell 25-11, 25-8, 25-15 in the District 6-R semifinals at Union County on Tuesday night. No. 2 seed Lafayette, meanwhile, was swept by 3-seed Union County 25-22, 25-18, 25-15 in the other semifinal.
Columbia running back Jeffery Pope looks for running room against Ridgeview on Friday. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia running back Jeffery Pope looks for running room against Ridgeview on Friday. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

ANALYSIS: Columbia to refresh during bye week with playoffs in sight

JORDAN KROEGER
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
A district title is officially out of the question for Columbia. But the Tigers are still in prime shape for the stretch run of the season, ready to recharge and refresh during their bye week. Columbia enters its bye amid its best start since 2018, fresh off a 44-0 win over Ridgeview on Friday.
Suwannee tight end Hunter Watson is tackled after a catch against Baker County on Friday. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee tight end Hunter Watson is tackled after a catch against Baker County on Friday. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Lake City Reporter)

ANALYSIS: Bulldogs’ close losses likely leaving them at home

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
LIVE OAK — A year after its strong schedule helped propel Suwannee into the Class 3A playoffs, it is likely going to keep the Bulldogs out of this year’s postseason.
Lafayette hitter Brooke Lamb fires a shot against Branford on Oct. 9. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

Lafayette hitter Brooke Lamb fires a shot against Branford on Oct. 9. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP ROUNDUP: Lafayette sweeps Fort White in District 6-R quarterfinals

NEWS STAFF
Monday, October 13, 2025
No. 2 seed Lafayette swept No. 7 seed Fort White 25-4, 25-18, 25-17 in the District 6-R quarterfinals at home Monday night. The win sends the Hornets (15-5) to Tuesday’s semifinal where they’ll face No. 3 seed Union County, which swept 6-seed Taylor County. The season is over the Indians (11-12).