Sports

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.
The Fernandina Beach High School Varsity Cheer squad. Photo courtesy of FBHS Cheer

The Fernandina Beach High School Varsity Cheer squad. Photo courtesy of FBHS Cheer

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Lady Pirates cheer squad loaded with seniors, prepares for competition

Ashley Chandler
Thursday, August 20, 2026
The Fernandina Beach High School Cheer squad is loaded with experience this year.Eight seniors are back for the 2026 school year and are gearing up for football and another season of competitive cheer.Head Coach of the squad Jensen Williams said the team did some prep work over the summer to get...
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.“Thankfully, we didn’t have to...
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.“It’s been kind of touch-and-go, I had some kids that I wasn’t sure if they were coming...
Tonights matchups for Nassau County's east-side teams.

Tonights matchups for Nassau County's east-side teams.

The lights turn on tonight

News Staff
Friday, August 14, 2026
Tonight High School football in Florida begins. Week 0 features an away game for the Fernandina Beach High School Pirates and the first home game of the season for the Yulee High School Hornets.
YHS boys and girls cross country runners during a summer training session on the beach. Courtesy of YHS cross country

YHS boys and girls cross country runners during a summer training session on the beach. Courtesy of YHS cross country

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YHS cross country adds coach; focuses on team, individual growth

Ashley Chandler
Friday, August 14, 2026
The Yulee High School cross country teams spent the summer on a tour of Nassau County’s east side, building endurance, eyeing a fall season of personal bests.Head Coach Jessica Eckman said the summer training was a great opportunity for the runners to build a “strong foundation” ahead of the start...
Sadaly ‘Sady’ Campbell took first place in the First Coast Women’s Amateur Tournament this summer. Photo by Pam Bell

Sadaly ‘Sady’ Campbell took first place in the First Coast Women’s Amateur Tournament this summer. Photo by Pam Bell

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Former FBHS state champ continues golf success in college, amateur tournaments

Ashley Chandler
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Former State Champion for Fernandina Beach High School Sadaly “Sady” Campbell is still at it winning titles.This summer, Campbell added a first-place title in an adult amateur tournament to her golf resume.In July, Campbell competed in the First Coast Women’s Amateur Tournament.