Sports

he National Putt-Putt Championship took place on Thursday and Friday at Main Beach Putt-Putt. Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Perfect week for a Putt-Putt championship

Marisa DeMar

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Main Beach Putt-Putt hosted the National Putt-Putt Championship from Oct. 20-26. The tournament took place over the course of the entire week and brought over a hundred participants to the course in Fernandina Beach.

Friday was Senior Night for the Pirates. The Seniors walked arm and arm to midfield to join Senior captains for the coin toss on Oct. 24. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Pirates lose fifth straight, despite comeback

Nick Blank

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

A spirited, 4th-quarter comeback from the Fernandina Beach Pirates couldn’t prevent a 28-22 loss against the visiting Impact Christian Academy Lions on Senior Night Friday.

Hornets in a previous home game. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Hornets football endures 2nd loss at Raines

Jim Luksic

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Yulee’s varsity team dropped its second straight game, a whitewashing to the tune of 58-6, Friday night at Raines Jacksonville. After last week’s debacle at Flagler, the Hornets looked to rebound but fell short, dropping their overall record to 7-2.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.