Sports

Missouri running back Larry Rountree III, right, is stopped by the Florida defense, including linebacker Brenton Cox Jr. (1) and defensive back Brad Stewart Jr., back, this past Saturday in Gainesville. (JOHN RAOUX/Associated Press)

Missouri running back Larry Rountree III, right, is stopped by the Florida defense, including linebacker Brenton Cox Jr. (1) and defensive back Brad Stewart Jr., back, this past Saturday in Gainesville. (JOHN RAOUX/Associated Press)

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Florida LB Cox gets shot at former team in 'Cocktail Party'

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Thursday, November 5, 2020
GAINESVILLE — There’s little doubt Brenton Cox has been waiting for this game. Counting down the days? Circled on the calendar? No one knows for sure because Cox turned down multiple interview requests this week in an attempt to avoid the spotlight.
Columbia forward Tanner Pierce is moving up top from defense this season to provide some additional offense to a squad returning nine starters. (FILE)

Columbia forward Tanner Pierce is moving up top from defense this season to provide some additional offense to a squad returning nine starters. (FILE)

BOYS SOCCER: Columbia counting on several returners, depth to make a run in a loaded district

JORDAN KROEGER
Wednesday, November 4, 2020
Seven ties and four losses by a single goal. So many matches could have gone Columbia’s way last season. Call it “a learning experience” for a team that finished 8-7-7. This year, the Tigers are hoping to change their fortune.
Columbia forward Isa Maranto will be counted on to score goals this season following the graduation of Kirsten Garner and Ember Russell-Martinez. (FILE)

Columbia forward Isa Maranto will be counted on to score goals this season following the graduation of Kirsten Garner and Ember Russell-Martinez. (FILE)

GIRLS SOCCER: Columbia turning to several freshmen to fill key roles left behind by 11 seniors

JORDAN KROEGER
Wednesday, November 4, 2020
Kirsten Garner set a school record with 27 goals last year as a senior. Replacing her won’t be easy. Neither will Ember Russell-Martinez, who tallied 10 goals, or goalkeeper Emily Lamoreaux, who was a four-year starter in the net.
Former Oregon State quarterback Jake Luton throws a pass at the NFL football scouting combine on Feb. 27 in Indianapolis. The Jaguars (1-6) believe Luton will make a smooth transition into the starting lineup despite not playing in nearly a year. He missed out on preseason games and was the team’s third-string quarterback for the first seven games, inactive behind starter Gardner Minshew and backup Mike Glennon. (AP FILE PHOTO))

Former Oregon State quarterback Jake Luton throws a pass at the NFL football scouting combine on Feb. 27 in Indianapolis. The Jaguars (1-6) believe Luton will make a smooth transition into the starting lineup despite not playing in nearly a year. He missed out on preseason games and was the team’s third-string quarterback for the first seven games, inactive behind starter Gardner Minshew and backup Mike Glennon. (AP FILE PHOTO))

NFL: Jags rookie QB Luton armed and ready for debut vs. Texans

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wednesday, November 4, 2020
JACKSONVILLE — Sitting at home with the Jacksonville Jaguars’ playbook in hand and virtual meetings lined up regularly, rookie quarterback Jake Luton was looking for another way to practice. The former Oregon State standout turned to those closest to him for help.
Florida's head coach Mike White celebrates after defeating Xavier 70-65 in the finals of the Charleston Classic on Nov. 24, 2019, in Charleston, S.C. The Gators didn’t have much fun last year. White is eager for his Gators to run and press like never before. Florida is scheduled to open their season on Nov. 25 in Connecticut. (AP FILE PHOTO)

Florida's head coach Mike White celebrates after defeating Xavier 70-65 in the finals of the Charleston Classic on Nov. 24, 2019, in Charleston, S.C. The Gators didn’t have much fun last year. White is eager for his Gators to run and press like never before. Florida is scheduled to open their season on Nov. 25 in Connecticut. (AP FILE PHOTO)

COLLEGE BASKETBALL: Tortoise to hare? Florida plans to play considerably faster

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wednesday, November 4, 2020
GAINESVILLE — Florida coach Mike White won’t come right out and say it. He hints at it. He talks around it. He subtly divulges one of the reasons his team was among the biggest disappointments in college basketball last season. The Gators were simply too slow. Not methodical or patient, either.
Columbia quarterback Marcus Peterson drops back to pass during Tuesday’s practice. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia quarterback Marcus Peterson drops back to pass during Tuesday’s practice. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Peterson named starting QB vs. Englewood after leading comeback against North Miami Beach

JORDAN KROEGER
Tuesday, November 3, 2020
Three completions for three touchdowns was all Columbia coach Brian Allen needed to see. After Marcus Peterson led the Tigers to a 35-34 come-from-behind victory over North Miami Beach on Friday, Allen named the junior the starting quarterback for this week’s play-in playoff game against Englewood.
Lake City’s own Kegroom Green Rollers will compete at the 2020 APA World Pool Championships next year in Las Vegas. (COURTESY)

Lake City’s own Kegroom Green Rollers will compete at the 2020 APA World Pool Championships next year in Las Vegas. (COURTESY)

BILLIARDS: 2 Lake City teams to compete in World Pool Championships

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, November 3, 2020
The Kegroom Green Rollers and Poke N Hope of Lake City qualified for the 2020 APA World Pool Championships, conducted by the American Poolplayers Association (APA), through their top performance in the Suwannee River APA World Qualifier at Chiefland Billiards in September.
Columbia receiver Marcus Peterson tries to escape a tackle against North Miami Beach last Friday. (JEN CHASTEEN/Special to the Reporter)

Columbia receiver Marcus Peterson tries to escape a tackle against North Miami Beach last Friday. (JEN CHASTEEN/Special to the Reporter)

COMMENTARY: Allen's gutsy move to put Peterson at QB pays off for first win

JORDAN KROEGER
Monday, November 2, 2020
It didn’t look good for Columbia when the fourth quarter began Friday night. North Miami Beach held a 28-16 lead heading into the final quarter and the Tigers’ offense had stalled in sophomore Bronsen Tillotson’s first career start.
SHS

SHS

PREP SWIMMING: Suwannee qualifies six for regional meet

NEWS STAFF
Monday, November 2, 2020
Suwannee’s boys swim team placed fifth at the District 2-2A Meet at the Northeast Pool in Gainesville on Friday, while the girls placed seventh. The Bulldogs qualified several swimmers for the Region 1-2A Meet on Nov. 5:  — Will Carpenter placed fifth in the 200 freestyle with a time of 1:59.