Sports

Charleston Knight signs her letter of intent to play soccer at the University of Massachusetts Boston. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Charleston Knight signs her letter of intent to play soccer at the University of Massachusetts Boston. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Five Pirates sign to compete at the next level in their sport

Ashley Chandler
Monday, May 4, 2026
On Wednesday after classes ended at Fernandina Beach High School, coaches praised some of their top athletes: “Incredibly hard-working, incredibly smart” and “maybe the best athlete I’ve ever had” were just a few of the comments made by coaches.
Harlow Smith screen blocks for quarterback Brooke Reid in Tuesday’s district game against Ribault. Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

Harlow Smith screen blocks for quarterback Brooke Reid in Tuesday’s district game against Ribault. Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

Hornets vie for Districts

Nick Blank
Friday, April 24, 2026
The Yulee Hornets (10- 5) flattened the Ribault Trojans 32-6 on Tuesday in Jacksonville thanks to a strong start as they pushed toward the district championship game.
Magdalena (Magda) Urbanowicz prepares to serve in a February match at Yulee High School. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Magdalena (Magda) Urbanowicz prepares to serve in a February match at Yulee High School. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Exchange student becomes first YHS girls tennis player to make it to district finals

Marisa DeMar
Friday, April 24, 2026
Magdalena (Magda) Urbanowicz made Yulee High School history in the FHSAA Class 2A District Tennis Tournament at Fernandina Beach High School last week. with her performance, Urbanowicz became the first YHS student to make it to the singles finals at districts.
Fernandina Beach High School hosted boys and girls tennis districts from April 14-16. Photo by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Fernandina Beach High School hosted boys and girls tennis districts from April 14-16. Photo by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

FBHS girls tennis earns district title, boys take second

Ashley Chandler
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
The Fernandina Beach High School boys and girls tennis teams’ performances in districts last week clinched their spots in the regional tournament; and the girl’s doubles team earned an automatic bid to state.
The Pirates celebrate earning the district title last week. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

The Pirates celebrate earning the district title last week. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

DISTRICT CHAMPS: Pirates put away Warriors early to seal title

Nick Blank
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
With a 10-0 win over the West Nassau Warriors on Thursday to clinch back-to-back District wins, the Fernandina Beach Pirates will enter the playoffs as a No. 2 seed.Preston Matricardi threw a no-hitter, and Trace Farmer and John Addington had 3 RBIs in a dominating performance.
The Hornets celebrate following a three-run homerun by Daylon Adams in Tuesday’s 10-3 district tournament quarterfinal win over Terry Parker.

The Hornets celebrate following a three-run homerun by Daylon Adams in Tuesday’s 10-3 district tournament quarterfinal win over Terry Parker.

Pirates, Hornets grab decisive wins in early rounds of districts

Nick Blank
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Fernandina Beach and Yulee surged through the opening round of Districts on Monday, with the Hornets defeating Terry Parker 10-3 and the Pirates taking down Andrew Jackson 10-0.
Camilla Clarke, second from right, a high school student at Bolles High School in Jacksonville, and resident of Fernandina Beach, participated in a signing ceremony Wednesday at Bolles. Clarke has committed to throw for the Howard University track and field team. Submitted photo

Camilla Clarke, second from right, a high school student at Bolles High School in Jacksonville, and resident of Fernandina Beach, participated in a signing ceremony Wednesday at Bolles. Clarke has committed to throw for the Howard University track and field team. Submitted photo

Fernandina Beach resident signs to throw for Howard University

News Staff
Friday, April 17, 2026
Camilla Clarke, a Fernandina Beach resident and track standout, has committed to compete at Howard University. Clarke is a high school senior at Bolles High School. A signing ceremony was held for Clarke and several other Bolles student-athletes on Wednesday at the school in Jacksonville.
Fernandina Beach, Yulee and West Nassau high school beach volleyball teams competed against each other April 10 at Main Beach. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Fernandina Beach, Yulee and West Nassau high school beach volleyball teams competed against each other April 10 at Main Beach. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

High School Beach volleyball: Hornets, Pirates, Warriors compete at Main Beach

News Staff
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Last week, the Fernandina Beach, Yulee and West Nassau high school beach volleyball teams converged on Main Beach to compete. The Hornets and Pirates both beat the Warriors in all five matches earning 5-0 team wins. The Hornets prevailed against the Pirates 3-2.