Sports

Columbia defensive back Tacori Allen intercepts a pass over Fort White receiver Edward Colter during the teams’ spring game on Saturday. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia defensive back Tacori Allen intercepts a pass over Fort White receiver Edward Colter during the teams’ spring game on Saturday. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Allen, McCray have been welcomed additions on Columbia's defense

JORDAN KROEGER
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Columbia’s defense was already expected to be talented entering this spring. With the addition of two transfers, the unit is even better. That was clear during Saturday’s spring game against Fort White.
Lafayette running back Alex Townsend (20) runs in for a touchdown behind the block of Dayne McCray (3) during the Hornets’ half of action against Interlachen during Tuesday’s spring jamboree. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

Lafayette running back Alex Townsend (20) runs in for a touchdown behind the block of Dayne McCray (3) during the Hornets’ half of action against Interlachen during Tuesday’s spring jamboree. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Lafayette rolls in both halves of spring jamboree

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
KEYSTONE HEIGHTS — Lafayette may have lost a generational playmaker on offense in Jordan Murphy, but head coach Marcus Edwards is adjusting on the fly. As of Tuesday night, it seems to be panning out just fine.
Branford catcher Morgan Brennan bobbles a throw to home plate, allowing Northview runner Addysen Bolen to score a run during the Class Rural state semifinals on Tuesday. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

Branford catcher Morgan Brennan bobbles a throw to home plate, allowing Northview runner Addysen Bolen to score a run during the Class Rural state semifinals on Tuesday. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP SOFTBALL: Branford comes up short at state again, falls to Northview in Rural semis

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
LONGWOOD — Branford looked poised for its second blowout win in as many state semifinals appearances. A pair of home runs sparked a five-run first inning before the Buccaneers held Northview to a scoreless bottom half of the frame. Then the wheels fell off. Again.
Fort White's Jayden Jackson can't hold on to a catch as he's hit by Columbia defensive back Von Lane during Saturday's spring game. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Fort White's Jayden Jackson can't hold on to a catch as he's hit by Columbia defensive back Von Lane during Saturday's spring game. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Fort White's subpar performance a 'shocker' in spring loss to CHS

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Saturday, May 17, 2025
Elijah Gardner ran for a 3-yard gain on the first play from scrimmage.  It all went downhill from there for Fort White.  The Indians threw three interceptions while not completing a pass until the third quarter in Saturday’s 35-0 spring game loss against Columbia.
Columbia receiver Kyren Caldwell dives into the end zone past defensive back Vondarius Lane during practice on Wednesday. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia receiver Kyren Caldwell dives into the end zone past defensive back Vondarius Lane during practice on Wednesday. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Columbia, Fort White ready to kick off spring game

JORDAN KROEGER
Friday, May 16, 2025
Columbia’s defense hasn’t let off the gas all spring. The unit has forced the offense to improve too. Now the Tigers will try to put it all together in both phases when they host Fort White in the teams’ spring game on Saturday.
Suwannee receiver Koy Frier can't hold on to a catch that's wrestled away by Bradford defensive back Jordan Cason for an interception during the teams' spring game Thursday night. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee receiver Koy Frier can't hold on to a catch that's wrestled away by Bradford defensive back Jordan Cason for an interception during the teams' spring game Thursday night. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Bradford, spring provide lessons for Suwannee to learn

JAMIE WACHTER
Thursday, May 15, 2025
STARKE — Thursday’s spring game couldn't have started much better for Suwannee. After forcing Bradford into a 3-and-out to open the spring game, the Bulldogs quickly moved into the red zone at David Hurse Stadium.
Holmes County center fielder Colby Powell (7) scores the game-winning run with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning to defeat Lafayette 2-1 in the Class Rural state championship game on Thursday. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

Holmes County center fielder Colby Powell (7) scores the game-winning run with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning to defeat Lafayette 2-1 in the Class Rural state championship game on Thursday. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP BASEBALL: Lafayette falls to Holmes County in Rural championship on walk-off single

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Thursday, May 15, 2025
FORT MYERS — Time and again, it seemed like it would eventually be Lafayette’s time.  But after coming close the last two years, the Hornets will have to wait at least one more.
Lafayette pitcher Ethan Tuten waves goodbye to the Trenton dugout after finishing off the Hornets’ 5-1 win in the Class Rural state semifinals on Wednesday. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Lafayette pitcher Ethan Tuten waves goodbye to the Trenton dugout after finishing off the Hornets’ 5-1 win in the Class Rural state semifinals on Wednesday. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

PREP BASEBALL: Tuten's 12 strikeouts lead Lafayette past Trenton in Class Rural state semis

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
FORT MYERS — Ethan Tuten turned many things Wednesday afternoon. The big southpaw turned a rocky start into a great finish. He turned a pivotal double play ball. And at the end of everything, the Hornets’ ace turned toward the Trenton dugout and waved goodbye. No.