Sports

Columbia receiver Jaden Williams turns up the field after a catch against Trinity Christian last season. The Western Michigan commit will be counted on to lead the offense this season. (FILE)

Columbia receiver Jaden Williams turns up the field after a catch against Trinity Christian last season. The Western Michigan commit will be counted on to lead the offense this season. (FILE)

CHS FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Tigers enter season unlike any other with coaching changes and new faces

JORDAN KROEGER
Thursday, September 24, 2020
This will be a season unlike any Columbia has seen. There are changes galore on both sides of the ball and even the coaching staff as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Fort White receiver Najeeb Smith is surrounded by Santa Fe defenders last week. (CHRISTINA FEAGIN/Special to the Reporter)

Fort White receiver Najeeb Smith is surrounded by Santa Fe defenders last week. (CHRISTINA FEAGIN/Special to the Reporter)

FRIDAY NIGHT PREVIEW: Fort White faces loaded squad from Carrollwood Day

JORDAN KROEGER
Thursday, September 24, 2020
FORT WHITE — In need of a game due to cancellations from the coronavirus pandemic, Carrollwood Day out of Tampa Bay picked up the phone and called Fort White. On paper a year ago, the Patriots weren’t very good. In fact, they were winless at 0-9.
Suwannee receiver Brian Fuery catches a pass in front of a Madison County defender last Friday. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Special to the Reporter)

Suwannee receiver Brian Fuery catches a pass in front of a Madison County defender last Friday. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Special to the Reporter)

FRIDAY NIGHT PREVIEW: Suwannee looks to bounce back against Bradford

JAMIE WACHTER
Thursday, September 24, 2020
LIVE OAK — Entering the season, Suwannee coach Kyler Hall believed the Bulldogs had maturity as well as experience on their side. Now, after a disappointing 32-14 loss to Class 1A power Madison County, Hall will find out just how mature his team is.
Branford’s Adrik Miller (12) and Clay Williams (11) converge for a tackle against Bell on Sept. 12. (BRIAN LEWIS/Special to the Reporter)

Branford’s Adrik Miller (12) and Clay Williams (11) converge for a tackle against Bell on Sept. 12. (BRIAN LEWIS/Special to the Reporter)

FRIDAY NIGHT PREVIEW: Buccaneers aim to slow down speedy Cardinals

JAMIE WACHTER
Thursday, September 24, 2020
BRANFORD — The rest provided by an off week may come in handy for the Branford defense tonight. The Buccaneers will be tested chasing after a pair of Cardinals when Bishop Snyder visits Cleve Sikes Field at Buccaneer Stadium at 7:30 p.m.
Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos, top left, celebrates his goal against Dallas Stars goaltender Anton Khudobin (35) during the first period of Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final on Wednesday, in Edmonton, Alberta. (JASON FRANSON/The Canadian Press via AP)

Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos, top left, celebrates his goal against Dallas Stars goaltender Anton Khudobin (35) during the first period of Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final on Wednesday, in Edmonton, Alberta. (JASON FRANSON/The Canadian Press via AP)

NHL: Stamkos scores, leaves as Lightning beat Stars in Game 3 for 2-1 lead

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
EDMONTON, Alberta — As soon as Steven Stamkos scored on his first shot since February, his Tampa Bay Lightning celebrated on the ice and the bench with 211 days of pent up excitement.
Columbia swimmer Kaydence Clark competes in the 100-yard butterfly during Wednesday’s tri-meet against Saint Francis Catholic and Oak Hall. (SHELBY CONKLIN/Special to the Reporter)

Columbia swimmer Kaydence Clark competes in the 100-yard butterfly during Wednesday’s tri-meet against Saint Francis Catholic and Oak Hall. (SHELBY CONKLIN/Special to the Reporter)

PREP SWIMMING: Columbia girls finish second in tri-meet with Saint Francis Catholic, Oak Hall

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
Columbia’s girls swim team finished second in a tri-meet on Wednesday at home, defeating Oak Hall 51-41 but falling to Saint Francis Catholic 45-43. Oak Hall’s boys won, defeating Saint Francis Catholic 48-44 and Columbia 54-31. The Tigers lost to Saint Francis 54-31.
Fort White quarterback Tyler Jefferson gets set to take a snap during Wednesday’s practice. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

Fort White quarterback Tyler Jefferson gets set to take a snap during Wednesday’s practice. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Jackson tweaking O-line, running game to jump start Fort White’s offense

JORDAN KROEGER
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
FORT WHITE — Last week’s struggles against Santa Fe begin with Fort White’s offensive line. Quarterback Tyler Jefferson didn’t take many sacks but he took a few hits and the running game never got off the ground, with starter Tavion Taylor managing just 18 yards on nine carries.
Jacksonville Jaguars center Brandon Linder (65) is helped by medial personnel after being injured against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, in Nashville, Tenn. (MARK ZALESKI/AP Photo)

Jacksonville Jaguars center Brandon Linder (65) is helped by medial personnel after being injured against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, in Nashville, Tenn. (MARK ZALESKI/AP Photo)

NFL: Jags without WR Chark, PK Lambo and C Linder vs. Dolphins

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
JACKSONVILLE — Jacksonville Jaguars receiver DJ Chark won't play Thursday night against Miami. The team downgraded Chark from questionable to out a little more than six hours before kickoff.
Nick Saban's Alabama squad allowed 18.6 points per game nationally last season, good enough for 13th nationally. But it’s still the most the Tide has given up since 2007, Saban’s first year in Tuscaloosa. (KEVIN C. COX/Getty Images/TNS)

Nick Saban's Alabama squad allowed 18.6 points per game nationally last season, good enough for 13th nationally. But it’s still the most the Tide has given up since 2007, Saban’s first year in Tuscaloosa. (KEVIN C. COX/Getty Images/TNS)

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Media picks Alabama to top Florida in SEC championship game

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Alabama is the media favorite to win the Southeastern Conference title while Florida is the pick to win the Eastern Division. Alabama received 77 votes to win the championship game on Dec. 19 in Atlanta, while Georgia and LSU each were picked on seven ballots.