Sports

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.
Suwannee quarterback Thomas Sikes scrambles away from pressure against Godby last Friday. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee quarterback Thomas Sikes scrambles away from pressure against Godby last Friday. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Suwannee hungry for first win against Hamilton County

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
LIVE OAK — Four weeks into the 2025 season, Suwannee is starving: starving for some sign of success. Hungry for a win, the 0-4 Bulldogs have a chance Friday to feast on traditional rival Hamilton County, which visits Langford Stadium for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.
Columbia finished third at the JJVA River City Classic on Saturday. (COURTESY)

Columbia finished third at the JJVA River City Classic on Saturday. (COURTESY)

VARSITY WEEKLY: Columbia places third at River City Classic

JORDAN KROEGER
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
A young volleyball team appears to have turned the corner at Columbia. Following an 0-4 start to the season, the Tigers have won seven of their last eight matches, which includes a 4-1 run this past weekend at the JJVA River City Classic in Jacksonville.
Fort White defensive back Ezekiel Powell tackles Fernandina Beach running back Traivon Martin on Friday. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Fort White defensive back Ezekiel Powell tackles Fernandina Beach running back Traivon Martin on Friday. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

ANALYSIS: Powell makes the most of first start at Fort White

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
FORT WHITE — The left side of Fort White’s defense has been a sore spot for a bit now this season. Starting in Week 2 against Belleview, teams have begun to pick up big chunk plays on multiple runs off right tackle, a weakness exploited again in Friday’s 28-27 loss at Fernandina Beach.
Columbia defensive tackle Jaden McCray tackles Madison County quarterback Chad Mitchell on Friday. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia defensive tackle Jaden McCray tackles Madison County quarterback Chad Mitchell on Friday. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

ANALYSIS: Columbia's win over Madison County, start to season historic for defense

JORDAN KROEGER
Monday, September 15, 2025
The Columbia Tigers did something Friday they haven’t done in over 30 years. That’s win a football game with fewer than 10 points. Thanks to another impressive performance from its defense, Columbia held off Madison County for a 9-0 victory at Boot Hill for its second straight shutout.
Suwannee defensive end Kyler Watson chases after a Godby ballcarrier during Friday's 36-31 loss. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee defensive end Kyler Watson chases after a Godby ballcarrier during Friday's 36-31 loss. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Lake City Reporter)

ANALYSIS: Suwannee keeps finding ways to lose

JAMIE WACHTER
Monday, September 15, 2025
LIVE OAK — Forget the old adage of snatching victory from the jaws of defeat, Suwannee the past two years has found a knack for snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.
Columbia defensive linemen Jaylen Underwood (right) and Terry Henry (bottom) stuff Madison County running back Davyon Gallon on Friday night at Boot Hill. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia defensive linemen Jaylen Underwood (right) and Terry Henry (bottom) stuff Madison County running back Davyon Gallon on Friday night at Boot Hill. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Columbia shuts down Madison County for second straight shutout

JORDAN KROEGER
Saturday, September 13, 2025
MADISON — Mired in a scoreless struggle late in the third quarter, Friday’s contest between Columbia and Madison County became a matter of who was going to blink first. The Cowboys finally did with a special teams snafu.