Sports

Tre Vazquez and Pete Kuhlman celebrate after a play in an Aug. 21 game against Baldwin. Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

Tre Vazquez and Pete Kuhlman celebrate after a play in an Aug. 21 game against Baldwin. Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

Pirates, Hornets down in Jacksonville tonight for Week 2 play

News Staff
Friday, August 28, 2026
Tonight, both of Nassau County’s east-side teams are down in Jacksonville. The Hornets, fresh off a dominating 42-14 win over Baldwin in Week 1, face the First Coast High School Buccaneers. The Buccs seek their first win of the season after falling to the Ribault Trojans in Week 1.
Fernandina Beach High School cross country runner Maya Kovalcik snagged the gold medal at the Cecil Field Summer Classic in Jacksonville. Kavalcik finished the 3.1-mile course in 20.12. Photo by Cedric Gillette

Fernandina Beach High School cross country runner Maya Kovalcik snagged the gold medal at the Cecil Field Summer Classic in Jacksonville. Kavalcik finished the 3.1-mile course in 20.12. Photo by Cedric Gillette

Lady Pirates win ‘prestigious season opener’

News Staff
Thursday, August 27, 2026
The young Lady Pirates cross country team was firing on all cylinders in their season opener last Friday night with a resounding win in their division over 26 other teams from all parts of Florida at the Cecil Field Summer Classic in Jacksonville.
Yulee High School Quarterback Liam Hice-Jones celebrates with Duke Johnson after touchdown. Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

Yulee High School Quarterback Liam Hice-Jones celebrates with Duke Johnson after touchdown. Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

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Hornets throttle Baldwin: Vazquez, freshmen trio efforts inspire 42-14 blowout

Nick Blank
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Yulee started the season the right way with an emphatic beatdown of Baldwin High, delivered by its dual-threat junior Tre Vazquez and standout performances from its freshman class.Vazquez, a former quarterback, ran for 89 yards on 10 carries with a touchdown, and caught seven passes for 73 yards.
The Terry Kelly Skate Jam and TK 5K were held Saturday. Photos by Billy Skipper/ For the New-Leader

The Terry Kelly Skate Jam and TK 5K were held Saturday. Photos by Billy Skipper/ For the New-Leader

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Terry Kelly Skate Jam, TK 5K go on ‘without a hitch’

Ashley Chandler
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
The annual Terry Kelly Skate Jam and TK 5K was held over the weekend to remember a devoted local father and to get the local community kids out and about.
YHS Athletic Director and Head Coach Kyle Dougherty talks to Hornets players during a preseason game Aug. 14. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

YHS Athletic Director and Head Coach Kyle Dougherty talks to Hornets players during a preseason game Aug. 14. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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Revamped Hornets tackle tough schedule

Nick Blank
Friday, August 21, 2026
On the back of last year’s huge six-game swing from 2024 and a playoff appearance, the Yulee Hornets are raring to go with some new faces and a tough schedule.The Hornets blew their opponents away over the first seven games of the 2025 season, outscoring their foes 209-39.
FBHS football in a preseason practice. Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

FBHS football in a preseason practice. Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

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Recharged Pirates hit road, await stadium

Nick Blank
Friday, August 21, 2026
The Fernandina Beach Pirates hope for a season as eventful as last year with an electric offense and hard-nosed defense.Last season, the Pirates won their first five games then dropped their next five.
Lady Pirate golfer Harper Crews takes some swings at practice. Courtesy of YHS girls golf

Lady Pirate golfer Harper Crews takes some swings at practice. Courtesy of YHS girls golf

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Committed athletes bolster Lady Hornets golf program

Ashley Chandler
Thursday, August 20, 2026
The Lady Hornets golf team is loaded with multi-sport athletes who are showing up to the sport for the first time, and some are showing they are a “natural talent.”Head Coach of the girls golf team Crystyn Camp said the team kept themselves disciplined over the summer.
The Fernandina Beach Pirates put away the Keystone Heights Indians early thanks to a record-breaking performance. Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

The Fernandina Beach Pirates put away the Keystone Heights Indians early thanks to a record-breaking performance. Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

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Record plunder

Nick Blank
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
With a furious first-half onslaught, the Fernandina Beach Pirates put away the Keystone Heights Indians early thanks to a record-breaking performance.The Pirates scored 49 points in the first half through the air, on the ground, the return game, and on defense.
The 2026 Fernandina Beach High School swim team. photo courtesy of Pirates Swim

The 2026 Fernandina Beach High School swim team. photo courtesy of Pirates Swim

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FBHS swim eyes another successful season this Fall

Ashley Chandler
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
The Fernandina Beach High School swim team seeks a year similar to last with a good mix of talented returners, and new faces that Head Coach Bill Stewart said could challenge some of his top returning swimmers.