Sports

Branford running back Ollie James runs past a Dixie County defender Friday night during their Preseason Classic. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Lake City Reporter)

Branford running back Ollie James runs past a Dixie County defender Friday night during their Preseason Classic. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Lake City Reporter)

PREP ROUNDUP: Branford rolls in Classic, Lafayette falls to Taylor Co.

NEWS STAFF
Saturday, August 16, 2025
CROSS CITY — A hot start in the preseason has Branford dreaming big this year. The Buccaneers moved the ball seemingly at will in Friday’s season tuneup, racking up a 40-0 halftime lead over Dixie County before cruising to the same final score.
Columbia quarterback Xavier Collins throws a pass during practice on Tuesday. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia quarterback Xavier Collins throws a pass during practice on Tuesday. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Columbia QB Collins eager to prove himself against Oakleaf in Preseason Classic

JORDAN KROEGER
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Last season was supposed to be Xavier Collins’ breakout year. However, just three days before Columbia’s Preseason Classic, the quarterback went down in practice with a sprained MCL. It cost him not just that matchup but the first five games of the regular season too.
Fort White coach Demetric Jackson addresses his team after practice on Aug. 4. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Fort White coach Demetric Jackson addresses his team after practice on Aug. 4. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Fort White looking for consistency in Preseason Classic vs. Trenton

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
FORT WHITE — Demetric Jackson believes his team has all the tools to make a deep playoff run this season.  The Fort White head coach could get his first outside evidence of that belief Friday. The Indians travel to play Trenton in this season’s Preseason Classic beginning at 7 p.m.
Suwannee receiver Koy Frier runs up the field after a catch during practice on July 28. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee receiver Koy Frier runs up the field after a catch during practice on July 28. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Suwannee set for stiff preseason challenge against Bishop Kenny

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
LIVE OAK — There won’t be any easing into the 100th season of Suwannee football. Instead, the Bulldogs will get an early glimpse Friday in the 7 p.m. Preseason Classic at Bishop Kenny of exactly where they stack up heading into the 2025 season.
Legendary former Suwannee coach Mike Pittman was surprised at Friday’s celebration with the naming of the road adjacent to Langford Stadium as Mike Pittman Way. Pittman is pictured with SHS assistants Clifford Bean and Todd Frier, who both played under Pittman. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Legendary former Suwannee coach Mike Pittman was surprised at Friday’s celebration with the naming of the road adjacent to Langford Stadium as Mike Pittman Way. Pittman is pictured with SHS assistants Clifford Bean and Todd Frier, who both played under Pittman. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Suwannee names street after Pittman, Hall of Fame class announced

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
LIVE OAK — In addition to celebrating a century of Suwannee football as a whole, a few individual Bulldogs were also recognized Friday night.
Bill Ragans (left) and Kyler Hall share a hug and a laugh during the Suwannee football 100-year celebration Friday night at the Suwannee Coliseum. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Bill Ragans (left) and Kyler Hall share a hug and a laugh during the Suwannee football 100-year celebration Friday night at the Suwannee Coliseum. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Suwannee celebrates 100 years of football, family & tradition

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
LIVE OAK — From the moment his father took a job on Mike Pittman’s staff in 1989 when he was just 6 years old, Kyler Hall wanted only one thing: to be a Suwannee Bulldog.
Suwannee catcher Jace Moran told the Lake City Reporter he’s verbally committing to Florida. (FILE)

Suwannee catcher Jace Moran told the Lake City Reporter he’s verbally committing to Florida. (FILE)

PREP BASEBALL: Suwannee slugger Jace Moran commits to Florida

JAMIE WACHTER
Saturday, August 9, 2025
LIVE OAK — An “elite-level hitter” is headed to an elite college baseball program. Suwannee junior Jace Moran has committed to play his college baseball at the University of Florida after receiving his dream offer from the Gators along with offers from some other college baseball heavyweights.
Fort White offensive coordinator Jonathan Dupree (second from left) talks to offensive lineman Caiden Campbell and the rest of his offensive line during Monday’s practice.

Fort White offensive coordinator Jonathan Dupree (second from left) talks to offensive lineman Caiden Campbell and the rest of his offensive line during Monday’s practice.

PREP FOOTBALL: Dupree tapped to call Fort White's offense in 2025

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Friday, August 8, 2025
FORT WHITE — A major change is coming to Fort White’s offense this season. It doesn’t have anything to do with any players. Jonathan Dupree, formerly the offensive line coach, is getting a promotion to offensive coordinator this year.
Columbia's defense swarms to tackle running back Jerome Horne during Thursday's practice. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia's defense swarms to tackle running back Jerome Horne during Thursday's practice. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Columbia puts together 'much better' practice after 'corrective punishment'

JORDAN KROEGER
Thursday, August 7, 2025
Columbia coach Brian Allen got his message across to his players following Monday’s fights in practice. On Thursday, the Tigers responded. After weather limited practice Tuesday and Wednesday, Columbia got in a full practice Thursday that Allen characterized as “much better.