Sports

Yulee forward Carter Kirchner drives to the basket.

Yulee forward Carter Kirchner drives to the basket.

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Hornets triumph to hold off Commanders in rematch

Nick Blank
Thursday, January 8, 2026
The Yulee Hornets (7-8) surged to an early lead over the Ed White High (11-5) and didn’t look back in a 64-57 victory Wednesday night, reversing a 24-point loss to the Commanders from last month. The Westside Jacksonville school cut into the Hornets' advantage all night. It was never easy.
Jacksonville safety Antonio Johnson celebrates after intercepting a pass by Titans’ Brandon Allen and taking it for a touchdown. Photo courtesy of Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville safety Antonio Johnson celebrates after intercepting a pass by Titans’ Brandon Allen and taking it for a touchdown. Photo courtesy of Jacksonville Jaguars

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Jags bulldoze Titans for AFC South glory, will host Bills in playoffs

Nick Blank
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
The Jacksonville Jaguars (13-4) clinched the AFC South with a 41-7 dismantling of the Tennessee Titans (4-13), locking up the conference’s No. 3 seed and a home Wild Card game with the Buffalo Bills.
Fernandina Beach wrestler Chase Harris competes over winter break. Photo courtesy of Eric Kubatzke

Fernandina Beach wrestler Chase Harris competes over winter break. Photo courtesy of Eric Kubatzke

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Pirate wrestlers stay on the mat during winter break

News Staff
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
The Fernandina Beach High boys Wrestling team competed in two tournaments over Christmas break.  The Pirate wrestlers competed at Palm Bay High School on Dec. 29 at the Ships N’ Duels Tournament and on Saturday and Sunday at the Clay Rotary.
Participants of the Cannon Ball race run through Centre Street in downtown Fernandina Beach on Jan 3. Submitted photo

Participants of the Cannon Ball race run through Centre Street in downtown Fernandina Beach on Jan 3. Submitted photo

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New year, new distances: Game Changers hosts 2nd annual Cannon Ball Run 

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
The second annual Cannon Ball Run hosted by Amelia Island Runners took place on the morning of Jan. 3 in Fernandina Beach. Nearly 300 runners participated in the half-marathon and 5k race combined which both began together at 7:30 a.m. at Main Beach Park.
The boys varsity basketball teams from Fernandina beach and Yulee high school faced off in Fernandina Beach on Dec. 5. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

The boys varsity basketball teams from Fernandina beach and Yulee high school faced off in Fernandina Beach on Dec. 5. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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Hornets sting Pirates on the hardwood

News Staff
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
The Yulee High School boys staved off the host Fernandina Beach Pirates 69-65 on Friday night. “I’m proud of how my guys played, they were resilient,” Yulee coach Connor Wetmore said afterward. The Hornets led 19-9 after one quarter and were up 32-18 by halftime.
A baseball card from Michael Johns’ time with the Portland Rockies. Submitted photo

A baseball card from Michael Johns’ time with the Portland Rockies. Submitted photo

Johns tabbed as Nationals bench coach

Nick Blank
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Fernandina Beach High School alum Michael Johns has joined the Washington Nationals as a bench coach, the next step in a more than 20-year coaching odyssey.Johns, 50, served as Tampa Bay’s first-base coach from 2024-25, where Johns oversaw outfield and base-running.
Photo by Nick Blank/ A crowd packed into Yulee High School's cafeteria Wednesday for National Signing Day.

Photo by Nick Blank/ A crowd packed into Yulee High School's cafeteria Wednesday for National Signing Day.

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Four Hornets sign for collegiate programs

Nick Blank
Friday, December 5, 2025
Four Yulee High School athletes will take their talents to the next level after signing letters of commitment on Wednesday for National Signing Day.   With a party atmosphere, about 200 people, family, friends and students, greeted the four signees, taking selfies and sharing best wishes.
Group shot of all four FBHS athletes signing their letters of commitment on National Signing Day, Wednesday. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Group shot of all four FBHS athletes signing their letters of commitment on National Signing Day, Wednesday. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

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FBHS athletes sign to colleges

Marisa DeMar
Friday, December 5, 2025
  Four athletes from Fernandina Beach High School signed their letters of commitment to play their sport at a collegiate level Wednesday on National Signing Day.
Reid Webber drives to the net

Reid Webber drives to the net

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Pirates boys take down Terry Parker, ready for Yulee

Nick Blank
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
ARLINGTON — The Fernandina Beach boys basketball team surged to an early lead against the Terry Parker High Braves (0-4) and didn’t look back Monday night, leaving Jacksonville with a 51-24 victory.

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Let’s go, Poe

Marisa DeMar
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
  Poe Pinson, the 20-year-old Olympian and professional skateboarder from Fernandina Beach, advanced to the quarterfinals of the World Skateboarding Tour World Cup in Kitakyushu, Japan which took place between Nov. 26-30.