Sports

Pirates vs. Flashes on Aug. 22. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Pirates vs. Flashes on Aug. 22. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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Pirates home opener boosts stats

Ashley Chandler
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
With Week One in the books, the Pirates are 2-0. Fernandina Beach High School football got the chance to boost its stats and get the young players some playing time in its home opener against Hilliard Middle-Senior High School on Friday night. The Pirates won 49 to 6.
Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

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Yulee defense smothers Union in impressive opener

Nick Blank
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
The Yulee Hornets avenged a 1-point loss to the Union County Tigers last year with a dominant 21-6 defensive display in Lake Butler on Friday, August. 22.  The crowd was spared from rain despite a 45-minute lightning delay. The field was waterlogged, and the humidity was thick.
Left, Senior Freya Jackson. Right, Yulee High School seniors Andree Lippelman and Amelia Dupee. Photos courtesy of Yulee Swim Team

Left, Senior Freya Jackson. Right, Yulee High School seniors Andree Lippelman and Amelia Dupee. Photos courtesy of Yulee Swim Team

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Yulee High School swim team prepares to make waves

Marisa DeMar
Friday, August 22, 2025
Yulee High School Swimming has begun their fall season along with the start of the new school year. Nicol Stewart, the head coach of the Hornets swim teams for the last eight years, told the News-Leader about the current boys and girls teams.  “Yulee is a strong young team.
The 2025 Pirate swim team at practice last week. Photo courtesy of Fernandina Beach High School Swim team

The 2025 Pirate swim team at practice last week. Photo courtesy of Fernandina Beach High School Swim team

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Pirate swimmers look toward challenging 2025 season

Ashley Chandler
Friday, August 22, 2025
The Fernandina Beach High School Swim Team will kick off the 2025 swim season on Aug. 28, at the Nassau County Swim Jamboree.  Head Coach Bill Stewart is ready to see his swimmers race this season.
Fernandina Beach High School Football Quarterback Ian Miller carries the ball in Pirates first game of the season at Mount Dora Christian Academy on Aug. 15. Photo by Dana O’Connor/Special to the News-Leader

Fernandina Beach High School Football Quarterback Ian Miller carries the ball in Pirates first game of the season at Mount Dora Christian Academy on Aug. 15. Photo by Dana O’Connor/Special to the News-Leader

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Pirates bring home first-game win

Ashley Chandler
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
The Pirates converted three Ian Miller passes for touchdowns to bring a first-game win home to Fernandina Beach.  The Fernandina Beach High School varsity football team beat Mount Dora Christian Academy 19-14 at Mount Dora’s field Aug. 15.
The Yulee Hornets football team competes in a preseason matchup Aug. 15 against Englewood. The Hornets won 54-0. Photo by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

The Yulee Hornets football team competes in a preseason matchup Aug. 15 against Englewood. The Hornets won 54-0. Photo by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

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Hornets swarm Englewood in preseason matchup

News Staff
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
The Yulee High School’s varsity football team smashed Englewood 54-0 in their preseason game last Friday, Aug 15.  The Hornets cheer team and marching band fired up the crowd from the sidelines and put on great performances.  The Hornets football team will play their first game on Aug 22.

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Poe snags a silver in Paraguay

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Poe Pinson, Olympic skateboarder from Fernandina Beach, has taken home another skateboarding title. Pinson placed second yesterday in street skateboarding for the Junior Pan American Games in Asuncion, Paraguay. She was the only American participant in the event.
Edward Waters freshman pose with a cake made to celebrate them joining the team for the 2025 season. From left, Macie Bourgholtzer, Jacksonville; Kyleigh Golden, Yulee; Jaela Palmer, Jaksonville; Carsen Chmiel, Fernandina Beach; and Ava Martyn, Yulee. Submitted photo

Edward Waters freshman pose with a cake made to celebrate them joining the team for the 2025 season. From left, Macie Bourgholtzer, Jacksonville; Kyleigh Golden, Yulee; Jaela Palmer, Jaksonville; Carsen Chmiel, Fernandina Beach; and Ava Martyn, Yulee. Submitted photo

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Three local softball standouts join team at historic Jacksonville university

Ashley Chandler
Friday, August 8, 2025
Three “hometown heroes” are set to join the softball team at Edward Waters University, a historic college based in Jacksonville. The team faces the upcoming season ruled by fresh faces.
Makarlie Wilson, Maddie Powell, Jia Thomas, Jayla Thomas, Tyla Williamson, Desiree Mason, Aleli Nevarez were the Nassau County 12U Flag Football League Champions.

Makarlie Wilson, Maddie Powell, Jia Thomas, Jayla Thomas, Tyla Williamson, Desiree Mason, Aleli Nevarez were the Nassau County 12U Flag Football League Champions.

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Nassau County’s first all-girls flag football league

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
The first all-girls flag football league in Nassau County was formed this summer by the Yulee gym Hit Squad Elite. Travis Williamson, the director of football talent and development, spoke on the local girls talent in the up-and-coming sport.
Drayson Ricks, EJ Ricks and Liam Hice Jones at the football camp. Submitted photos

Drayson Ricks, EJ Ricks and Liam Hice Jones at the football camp. Submitted photos

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Hit Squad Elite pumps out local talent

Marisa DeMar
Friday, July 25, 2025
A group of middle school boys from Nassau County were invited to compete at a national football camp in Naples, Florida, earlier this summer. After competing in a regional camp, six of the players received invitations to compete on a national level.