Sports

Mikaela Nichols and Grace Scuderi head to the finish line during Wednesday's race. Nichols in front with a 21-minute and 46.6-second time to Scuderi’s 21 minutes and 46.9 seconds. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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Pirates dominate at Nassau County Cross Country Championship

Ashley Chandler

Thursday, October 23, 2025

The Fernandina Beach High School Cross Country team dominated at the Nassau County Cross Country Championships on Thursday. The host team placed first overall in both the boys and girls races and first and second place in both races went to Pirates. The boys ran first at 5:30 p.m.

Ian Miller completes a pass to Beckham Rohe.

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Pirates fall away at Clay High

Nick Blank

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

The Fernandina Beach Pirates (5-4) lost an agonizingly close contest in Green Cove Springs to the Clay High Blue Devils 35-34 on Friday night.

The Hornets varsity volleyball team holds their trophy after beating Paxon and earning the district champion title on Oct. 16. Submitted by Dorri Chin

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Hornet volleyball earns district title

Marisa DeMar

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

In a 3-1 victory against Paxon School for Advanced Studies, the Hornets varsity volleyball team claimed the well-earned title of district champions for the 2025-2026 season. In the match on Oct.

Ashley Chandler News-Leader / Hornets Head Coach Kyle Dougherty

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Hornets stumble on road for 1st loss

Jim Luksic

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

By JIM LUKSIC Yulee's varsity team saw their unbeaten season come crashing down in a 42-14 defeat at the hands of Flagler Palm Coast. The Hornets fell to 7-1 overall, as the host Bulldogs rolled to a 21-0 lead at halftime and lifted their season mark to 3-5.

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London calling after Jags cool off

Nick Blank

Friday, October 17, 2025

It’s time for the Jacksonville Jaguars’ annual sojourn to London. It’s not coming at a great time. Wembley Stadium is a 90,000-seat behemoth. Built in 2007, it is the crown jewel of the English soccer establishment in an overpriced, fairly drab part of Northwest London.

Pirates vs. Hornets football

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Hornets shut out Pirates

Nick Blank

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

The Yulee Hornets (7-0) took out rivals Fernandina Beach Pirates 28-0 at home, as players and fans fought to stay dry Friday night. No part of play was unaffected by the sheets of rain, except Yulee’s suffocating defense. Passing, kicking and ball protection were difficult asks.

Runner crosses the finish line at the Amelia Island Half Marathon on Sunday By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

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Amelia Island Half Marathon moves along

Marisa DeMar

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

The Amelia Island Half Marathon race took place on Sunday morning, which included the full 21.1K, 12K, and 5K routes. All of the courses finished in front of Main Beach, where runners were greeted by family, friends and vendors giving out snacks and champagne to toast in celebration.

Officials cut the ribbon last week on batting cages at Central Park.

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City opens batting cages at Central Park

Nick Blank

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Fernandina Beach has opened new batting cages at Central Park, which they hope will benefit the development of baseball players. The project cost $176,000. The county provided a $50,000 grant for the project and the Babe Ruth League covered the rest.

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Pirates set out to snap streak

Nick Blank

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

The Fernandina Beach Pirates (5-2) will attempt to break an 11-year losing streak against the Yulee Hornets (6-0) on Friday. Despite a 2-8 record last year, the Hornets beat the Pirates 42-7. Yulee won the rivalry game in tighter contests, by 26-14 and 21-14 in 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Lady Pirates volleyball takes on Yulee on Sept. 26. Photo by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

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Lady Pirates grow in 2025 season

Ashley Chandler

Friday, October 3, 2025

Fernandina Beach High School volleyball is well into their 2025 season. As of Thursday morning, the Pirates had five wins and nine losses on the season and were ranked fourth in the district with a 1-3 record. Head Coach Siera Rowland said it has “been an exciting season so far.