Sports

Journey Cheer practices at Journey Church in January. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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Character shines for local youth cheer team

Ashley Chandler

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Local cheer Coach Erika Nickell says her team’s experience has been a journey.Though the Journey Cheer youth recreational team practices at Journey Church, Nickell said the name comes, not from the church, but from the path to forming the team.“The name just felt so right,” Nickell said.

Dual at the Dunes wrestling tournament on Jan. 10, 2026 at FBHS. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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FBHS hosts annual team tourney, Dual at the Dunes

Ashley Chandler

Friday, January 30, 2026

Fernandina Beach hosted its annual team dual tournament on Jan. 10 called Dual at the Dunes. The 15-team tournament was separeted into 3 pools of five. It was a round robin format, followed by cross bracketing based off records.

The Lady Pirates rode a strong second half at home Wednesday to clinch first place in districts with a 1-0 win over Bolles. Nick Blank/News-Leader

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Lady Pirates dominate districts

Nick Blank

Thursday, January 29, 2026

When Evie Oliver was fouled at the top of the box in the second half, Sarah Benjamin stepped up to score a penalty kick to clinch the District championship for the Fernandina Beach Lady Pirates against the Bolles School on a frigid Wednesday.

Fernandina Beach High School students and varsity basketball players celebrate in the Yulee High School gymnasium after the Pirates beat the Hornets by two points on Friday. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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Battle 'til the buzzer: Pirates beat Hornets, drop home game to Flashes

Ashley Chandler

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

The Yulee High boys basketball team felt the sting Friday, when the Pirates beat them on their home court in a late-season rematch. The second half started with the Hornets leading by double digits. With just over two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the Pirates took the lead.

Lady Pirate weightlifters celebrate a lift at a competition against West Nassau on Jan. 6 at Fernandina Beach High School. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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Pirate lifters spot Regionals places

Nick Blank

Friday, January 23, 2026

Fernandina Beach High girls’ weightlifting team has a few lifters slated for Regionals following a strong performance in Districts. Coach Jonathan Alexander said five lifters made the winners’ podium at West Nassau High during Districts.

Yulee Head Coach Connor Wetmore watches a game unfold

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Yulee basketball booster club assists program

Nick Blank

Friday, January 16, 2026

Yulee High School has established a booster club for its boy's basketball program, easing the burden on the coaching staff and players.

Coco catches air while practicing at the Poe Pinson Skate Park in Fernandina Beach on Jan. 10. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

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Coco looks to add another title to collection

Marisa DeMar

Thursday, January 15, 2026

Fernandina Beach skateboarder Coco Waldo is preparing to compete in the 5th annual Competitive Amateur Skate League (CASL) national championship on Saturday. Waldo will be competing in the Vert/Bowl Open Advanced division at Kona Skatepark in Jacksonville.

Second Place Yulee High School wrestling team. Submitted

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Hornets take second, Pirates third at District Duals

Ashley Chandler

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Fernandina Beach High School and Yulee High School wrestlers competed in the District Duals on Jan. 6 at Fernandina Beach High School.FBHS Head Coach Eric Kubatzke said eight of the 11 teams in the district competed Jan. 6.“We took third at district duals.

Photo-Ashley Chandler

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Bridge tension

Nick Blank

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Both Fernandina Beach soccer teams left Yulee with a win in a Battle of the Bridge double header Saturday. Fernandina Beach girls defeated Yulee 5-1 in the early game and Fernandina Beach’s boys team won 3-1 in a physical matchup.

Yulee forward Cameron Kirchner

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Yulee inaugural basketball showcase honors first responders

News Staff

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

With a heavy Nassau County Fire Rescue presence, four basketball games tipped off Saturday to bring awareness to first responders. Dale Green, a West Nassau graduate, served Nassau County Fire Rescue for 30 years. He said the county had been good to him and he wanted to give back.