Perfect! Sophia Kardatzke powers University Christian softball team into title game
Fifteen batters up. Fifteen batters down. University Christian junior Sophia Kardatzke dominated Foundation Academy in the Class 2A softball state semifinals, firing a perfect game to lead an 11-0 romp at Legends Way Ballfield in Clermont.
Bill that reshapes FHSAA, high school sports signed into law by Gov. DeSantis
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation that shakes up the Florida High School Athletic Association’s board structure and gives control to the state, further eases restrictions on athletes in virtual and charter schools, and allows pregame remarks like prayer and state series games.
Providence baseball team ready to add to its tradition in state semifinals
The Providence baseball team is in the state semifinals for the first time since 2016, with coach Tommy Boss and a tough group of nine Providence seniors ready to try and keep their season going. On Friday morning at 10, Providence (25-4) faces Clearwater Calvary Christian (26-4) in a collision of two of the best teams in the state, regardless of classification.
Bill aimed at making changes to FHSAA awaits DeSantis’ signature
A bill that gives high school athletes greater options than ever in choosing where they want to play cleared the Florida Legislature and now awaits the signature of Gov. Ron DeSantis, another blow for the embattled Florida High School Athletic Association.
Bartram Trail defense delivers history-making back-to-back girls lacrosse championships
The Bartram Trail girls lacrosse team became the first area program, boys or girls, to win back-to-back state championships when it edged Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas in a 5-4 thriller that went down to the final seconds on Saturday night in Naples.
Success of Bartram Trail, Ponte Vedra show depth of girls lacrosse in the area
Bartram Trail (17-4) will face Tampa Plant (18-3) at 2:30 p.m. on Friday afternoon in the Class 2A state semifinals in Naples. Five hours later at 7:30, Ponte Vedra (14-4) collides with Lake Highland Prep (19-3) in the Class 1A semi. That the area has teams in both classifications still alive and chasing championships is a testament to just how much the sport has grown in the area.
‘Smell the roses:’ Bolles boys lacrosse team enjoying the moment in run to state semifinals
Bolles is playing in the boys lacrosse state semifinals for just the third time in program history this week. The task is clear — bring home a championship. But coach Tom West has stressed one big thing to the Bulldogs in their quest.
Cole Pepper: ‘This isn’t goodbye, just see you around’
I first stepped on the set at Channel 4 in the summer of 2005. I was filling in as a sports anchor. In those early days, most of my fill-in dates coincided with Sam Kouvaris taking vacations, and the weekend anchor, Sean Woodland in those early days, taking the weekday duties while Sam took a break. Little did I know back then that I would be a part of Channel 4 in some capacity for the next 18 years.
Grading the Jaguars’ first-round selection of Anton Harrison
The opening night of the NFL draft is in the books and the Jaguars (finally) made their first-round pick with Oklahoma tackle Anton Harrison. Jacksonville traded down twice in the first round and added three additional draft picks for the second and third days (picks 130, 160 and 240).
Spring signing period 2023: Area athletes make college decisions official
The spring signing period for high school athletes is in full swing across the area. That means seniors can sign letters of intent with college programs. News4JAX is publishing the names and schools of those athletes who have been submitted by their schools.
Christ’s Church star Chase Healey makes history, wins 3rd straight state title
Just call him Chase History. Christ’s Church Academy star Chase Healey won his third consecutive Class 1A state championship with a sterling performance on Wednesday afternoon in Orlando. Healey beat True North’s Brennon Chow, 6-2, 6-6, (7-2) to make history as just the seventh boys player to end his career with three titles.
NFL draft primer: Draft party, late pick history and who the Jaguars have in mind
For just the second time in the past 15 years, the Jaguars are picking outside of the top 20 in the NFL draft. That means fans at the sold out Duuuval draft party at Daily’s Place will have to wait quite a bit longer than they’re accustomed to cheer (or jeer) Jacksonville’s draft choice.
Edge? Tight end? Corner? Who we’re picking for the Jaguars in this week’s draft
The NFL draft is quickly approaching. The Jaguars are in a pretty good spot. The Jaguars have not made very many moves this offseason but are still a team primed for a playoff run. The Jaguars could use a nickel back, to improve the pass rush, and bolstering the offensive line is never bad. Justin Barney and Jamal St. Cyr make our selections for the Jaguars in this week’s NFL draft.
Trent Baalke: Jaguars have ‘2 or 3′ players in mind for first-round pick
After years of making high draft picks (Jacksonville has had its own pick after the 10th spot just once in the past 15 years), the Jaguars find themselves in a far different position this time. When the NFL draft rolls around on April 27, the Jaguars will pick 24th in the first round, their latest selection since they chose Florida defensive tackle Taven Bryan 29th in 2018.
Jaguars focused on the ‘new standard’ after last season’s playoff run
The Jaguars are in the early stages of their offseason program, but there’s a much different vibe around TIAA Bank Field. Trevor Lawrence is in the same offensive system for the first time in his NFL career. There’s coaching stability and a franchise that’s ascending. They’ve added a motivated playmaker at receiver and some depth pieces in free agency.
Down on the farm: Tracking area players in minor league baseball in 2023
It’s a new season in Major League Baseball and it’s a new season in the minors. News4JAX will chart how local players are doing in affiliate minor league baseball. The updated statistical list will be published weekly on Thursdays beginning April 13.