Gainesville High School boys' basketball got off to a strong start in the 2024 season, winning three straight games to open play. However, the Hurricanes knew they would face a tough test when defending two-time state champions Williston High School came to town.
There was unfinished business when the high school football season began for the Buchholz Bobcats. A heartbreaking loss by one point in the state semifinals last season dashed their hopes of a state championship, but it also sparked a renewed determination. This senior class vowed to not let history repeat itself.
Justice Phillips, a junior at Bronson High School, has been named the UF Health Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Athlete of the Week for his impressive performance on the basketball court and leadership off it.
Phillips, a shooting guard who has stepped up to play point guard at the start of the season due to injuries among teammates, has proven he can handle the role with a couple of impressive games out of the gate. He scored a career high 37 points in Bronson's season opener and followed that up with 34 points in their second game.
Growing up in Venezuela, soccer — or as it's known in the United States, "futbol" — was always part of Erick Rodriguez's life. While baseball is the more popular sport in the South American country, soccer has quickly gained mainstream popularity, and for Rodriguez, it has become his passion.
There aren't many people who choose to run for fun, but for North Marion freshman cross country runner Brooklyn Smith, running has become a way of life. A sport he never expected to pursue, Smith's dedication and willingness to work has earned him the title of UF Health Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine High School Athlete of the Week.
Right from the start, the Chiefland Indians football team set the tone for what could be a special season under head coach Adam Gore. A victory over Williston showed they could compete with anyone, while knocking off previously undefeated Union County proved the Indians were ready to make a postseason push.
When your hometown has a population of fewer than 1,000 people, you're bound to interact with most of them at some point.
Small, close-knit communities are a hallmark of north central Florida, and for many residents, it's something they deeply cherish. For senior linebacker Cole Rarey, it's one of the reasons he loves his hometown — and why he believes the Bell Bulldogs are making their run to the state playoffs.
There have been a ton of great players that have worn the black and gold of Buchholz, many have gone on to play college ball and even the NFL. But in the more than 50 years of the program's existence, no one had ever scored 7 touchdowns in a single game, well at least until last week. Junior wide receiver and now running back Justin Williams had a night for the record books against Tocoi Creek as he scored early and often helping the Bobcats put 63 on the scoreboard and cementing himself as this week's UF Health Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine High School Athlete of the Week.
Success has come Santa Fe's Way for quite a while on the Volleyball court. Winners of high school state championships in 2021 and 2022 cemented their place amongst the best programs in the state, but after falling short of a three peat a year ago, the Raiders are ready to get back to the promised land.