Dan Spears

| Special to the Star-Banner Vanguard track & field coach James Travieso has heard and seen a lot in his three decades working with athletes, but in mid-May he did a double-take.

| Special to the Star-Banner The Star-Banner's girls tennis player of the year for 2026, Forest junior Alexis Dessaint has an admission to make about her early days on the court.

| Special to the Star-Banner Vanguard track and field coach Danny Gilman said there are specific qualities he hopes for in an athlete, beyond physical gifts.

Lucas Joyce, Redeemer: 6-1 singles, 5-2 doubles Saeed Elmallah, Vanguard: 6-4 singles, 3-5 doubles Azael Gonzalez, West Port: 3-4 singles, 4-3 doubles

The return of jamboree football to Wilmington's Legion Stadium gave the city's four schools their own spotlight. Here's what to take away from the preseason Friday Night Lights.

Dan Spears, USA TODAY NETWORK The wait is over. It's game week for high school football in Ocala and around the Florida High School Athletic Association.

USA TODAY NETWORK The Friday Night Lights have returned. Florida's FHSAA high school football officially kicks off on Friday, Aug. 21, with teams around Marion County aiming high again in 2026.

Dan Spears, USA TODAY NETWORK Friday Night Lights have returned. Illinois high school football is starting at one of its earliest dates in recent memory ahead of an expanded postseason setup for 2026.

The Friday Night Lights have returned. Florida's FHSAA high school football officially kicked off on Friday, Aug. 21, with teams around Marion County aiming high again in 2026.

The wait is over. It's game week for high school football in Ocala and around the Florida High School Athletic Association.