Sports

Branford quarterback Trent Land releases a pass against Dixie County in the Preseason Classic on Aug. 15. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Lake City Reporter)

Branford quarterback Trent Land releases a pass against Dixie County in the Preseason Classic on Aug. 15. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Lake City Reporter)

FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Sophomore Land, freshman James lead the way for Branford

JAMIE WACHTER
Thursday, August 21, 2025
BRANFORD — There is a lot about his team that excited Branford coach Tim Clark. Entering his ninth season at the helm of his alma mater, Clark is looking forward to seeing the talented Buccaneers’ roster show itself on the field while also being encouraged by its work at practice.
Lafayette quarterback Tywan Williamson scrambles against Taylor County during the Preseason Classic on Aug. 15. (Photos by JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

Lafayette quarterback Tywan Williamson scrambles against Taylor County during the Preseason Classic on Aug. 15. (Photos by JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Lafayette eyes ninth straight playoff berth, 19th in 21 seasons

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Thursday, August 21, 2025
MAYO — Marcus Edwards believes Lafayette is always on the same mission. It’s certainly no different this year. Make the playoffs, and go from there. It’s a mission the Hornets are quite well-versed in, having gotten there the last eight years and 18 of the last 20.
Columbia receiver Kyren Caldwell is tackled from behind during last season’s 13-0 win over Suwannee. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia receiver Kyren Caldwell is tackled from behind during last season’s 13-0 win over Suwannee. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Suwannee aims to knock off confident Columbia, winners of 12 straight in rivalry

JORDAN KROEGER
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
LIVE OAK — When the film from the Preseason Classic flipped on, there was no room for Suwannee’s defense to run and hide. The inability to stop Bishop Kenny’s run game was there for all to see, both on the film and in the numbers as the Crusaders averaged 10.
Columbia setter Brynn Lester (1) sets up a pass as Jenavieve Farer (13) looks to attack against Santa Fe on Tuesday. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia setter Brynn Lester (1) sets up a pass as Jenavieve Farer (13) looks to attack against Santa Fe on Tuesday. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP VOLLEYBALL: Young Columbia squad swept by Santa Fe in season opener

JORDAN KROEGER
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
It’s not easy replacing five seniors. It’s even harder when two starters transfer out. But that’s the path laid out for a young Columbia squad, which opened the season with a tough 25-15, 25-15, 25-11 loss to Santa Fe at home Tuesday night.
Columbia defensive back Von Lane tackles Oakleaf running back Mike Conner during Friday’s Preseason Classic. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia defensive back Von Lane tackles Oakleaf running back Mike Conner during Friday’s Preseason Classic. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: 3 things we learned from Preseason Classics

JORDAN KROEGER
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Preseason Classics have come and gone for high school football. Here are three things we learned ahead of this week’s season openers. 1. Columbia’s defense looked the part It’s no secret Columbia’s defense is stacked with talent, but just how would the unit look against another opponent?
Columbia quarterback Xavier Collins scrambles up the field against Oakleaf during Friday’s Preseason Classic. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia quarterback Xavier Collins scrambles up the field against Oakleaf during Friday’s Preseason Classic. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Columbia's starters leave with lead, but Oakleaf wins Preseason Classic

JORDAN KROEGER
Saturday, August 16, 2025
Oakleaf’s starters had one last chance to finish their night with the lead. But as quarterback Jack McKissock dropped back to pass on 4th-and-goal from the 2-yard line, he quickly found himself under pressure and tried to get a throw off over Columbia’s defensive line.
Fort White linebackers Cameron Lumpkin (17) and Teagin Bell (11) combine for a tackle on Trenton running back Brant Bivens during Friday’s Preseason Classic. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Fort White linebackers Cameron Lumpkin (17) and Teagin Bell (11) combine for a tackle on Trenton running back Brant Bivens during Friday’s Preseason Classic. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Rain, lightning stops Fort White's Preseason Classic early

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Saturday, August 16, 2025
TRENTON — Mother Nature remains undefeated in Kickoff Classics. Fort White’s preseason game at Trenton was called early on Friday, with officials canceling the contest after lightning was detected in the area with 2:47 left in the first half.
Suwannee running back Lou Jack Smith gets stuffed by a pair of Bishop Kenny defenders during Friday’s Preseason Classic. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee running back Lou Jack Smith gets stuffed by a pair of Bishop Kenny defenders during Friday’s Preseason Classic. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Big plays, turnovers doom Suwannee at Bishop Kenny in Classic

JAMIE WACHTER
Saturday, August 16, 2025
JACKSONVILLE — Every time Suwannee looked to flip momentum Friday night, Bishop Kenny had an answer. Usually with some assistance from the Bulldogs. The last two times Suwannee pulled within one score of the Crusaders at William Johnston Sr.