BABSON PARK - In the first game of its Sun Conference schedule, Webber International University was the host, but Warner University was home team at Webber's Warrior Turf Field. The visiting Royals were less than hospitable in a 36-31 win in front of a raucous crowd - and with a Warner representative manning the press box microphone.

"It's all about the love when you get to play in a game like this," said Webber sophomore defensive end Omar Goosby, a Clay High graduate. "I got to see a lot of my brothers from Clay County over there."

The 2-2 Warriors knocked out a quick 14-3 first quarter lead, but Warner battled back to take a 17-14 lead. Webber then came back with a 12-yard touchdown pass and a Tyler Sapp, a Keystone Heights/Bradford County grad, point-after-kick for a 21-17 lead into the second quarter.

Some Clay County fireworks erupted with Warner's high-octane offense: running back Fareed "Buck" Coleman and wide receiver Carlos (Lo) Witherup, both of Oakleaf High, starting to show why they were the Royals' mainstays.

Coleman, whose speed was tantamount on kickoff returns, in coverage and plus backfield duties, scored on a three-yard run two plays after Witherup catch put the Royals inside the Warrior 5-yard line.

Coleman finished with a team-high 66 yards on nine rushes and a score, including a 28-yard scamper, plus a seven-yard pass play. Witherup, a dangerous pass catcher over the middle while he was at Oakleaf, led the Royals with six catches for 70 yards, including one for 22 yards. He also was the middle man of a double flea flicker play that started with a handoff, followed by a flip to Witherup, who tossed it back the quarterback, who threw a completion that led to a Royals score.

"The offense here, I play in lots of different spots, and my goal each game is consistency," Witherup said. "I missed one today that was a little behind me, but I still should have had it. "

On the Webber side, Goosby was the team's leading tackler last year, and he is one of the top tacklers this season. A third quarter fumble recovery almost turned the game around for the Warriors.

"I have a higher expectation on what I'm doing on the field, and my teammates push me to make plays," Goosby said. "We have a good team here. [We] just didn't make plays in the second half."

Tyler Sapp, who attended Keystone Heights and Bradford highs, hit a 25-yard field goal in the second quarter to put Webber up, 31-24. Warner scored on a 27-yard pass and a one-yard run for the last points of the game.

Also on the field for Webber were Orange Park standouts quarterback Gabe Taylor, offensive lineman Jeremiah Hamilton, running back/slot receiver Quinton Moore and defensive lineman Jayden Blanton. Moore had two carries for 27 yards and one catch for 22 yards. Safety Jack Rivera, and Middleburg's Jordan Williams and Jakeyvious Carter are injured. Bradford County grad Neo Addison is also on the roster.

On special teams, Middleburg grads Dominic and Darius Swilley got reps as blockers on field goal and PAT attempts, with defensive line coach Jalen Scales liking the twins.

"They are both very smart, athletic guys and will get plenty of reps as the season progresses," Scales said. "It's pretty unique to have a set of guys from the same town here with Blanton, Omar and the Swilley brothers."

Also for Warner, Middleburg wide receiver Jordan Avelino is a freshman.

Warner was 2-8 last year, while Webber was 5-6.

Golf update

Moody, Abbas (FIHS), Isbell, Bork (MHS) top players

District 4-2A (Oct. 27 at Palatka) will be interesting

By Randy Lefko

randy@claytodayonline.com

FLEMING ISLAND - Two sets of golfers on two different high school teams are leading candidates for a successful district-to-state run, as area golf teams prep with a week's worth of matches still left on the calendar.

At Fleming Island, sophomore Sophia Moody has been among the state's leading players since Day 1 with an opening round of 30 at Fleming Island Golf Club. Senior teammate Shayla Abbas not too far behind with sub-40 scores in recent meets. Moody's most recent ranking position in all Florida is 14th with Bolles, Episcopal and Beachside also in the top 20.

In just Class 2A, Moody is second ranked behind Downtown Doral sophomore Stella Lind. Abbas is ranked 48th in Class 2A.

Moody and Isbell are among the top 50 in Class 2A golfers, with Abbas, Jordan Bork and Emily Martin not far behind. The District 4-2A tournament will be played Oct. 27 at the Palatka Golf Club.

Moody was sixth at the regions in 2025, and Abbas was 11th, and both advanced as individual qualifiers to the Class 2A championships, where Moody finished sixth. Abbas unable to finish her second round due to an injury. Middleburg was fourth at the region 1-2A tournament, but did not advance to the state tournament.

Moody opened the 2026 season with a 30, and has been less than 40 through 10 matches. Isbell has a best of 35. She has scores near the 40 mark, with five less than 40. In a dual match, Moody won a 34-39 top score duel with Isbell, with Abbas finishing third with a 41.

Moody and Abbas where first and second, 33-41, respectively at an Oct. 1 dual match at Palatka. Moody knocked in three birdies. In Gainesville on Sept. 22 against 3A-powerhouse Buchholz at the Hawkstone Country Club, Fleming Island came home with a strong 166-205 win. Moody (35) and Abbas (36) were first and second again. Buchholz, a long-time Class 3A state tournament qualifier provided a tough venue for the Golden Eagles.

Against Buchholz, Abbas roared back into contention with three late birdies, while Moody making an eagle on her third hole to take the slim lead.

Behind the Fleming Island pair, coach Brian Nedrich has sophomore Addison McGarva, senior Ashlyn Norton and freshman Callie Kuchler all vying in the top five spots on the team.

For Middleburg, senior Braelyn Isbell, ranked 35th in Class 2A, has consistently been the top finisher for the Broncos. Jordan Bork and Emily Martin are not far off the pace, giving the Broncos strong finishes.

In a one-on-one matchup on Sept. 9 at Eagle Landing, Moody landed two early birdies. Isbell suffered a double bogey, and that give Moody a decisive 34-39 victory.

Fleming Island took the win, 169-194, with Abbas at 41 and McGarva at 42 providing the Golden Eagles a significant cushion. Bork and Martin finished with scores of 47 and 51.

Isbell and Bork scored a one-two finish at 35-43 in a win over Bishop Kenny with Martin at 46. The duo also went one-two in a 202-258 win over Palatka on Sept. 28. Isbell has improved steadily during the season, with a two-over 38 in a win over Keystone Heights at Eagle Landing on Sept. 23.

Around the county, Keystone Heights' junior Aubrey Brooks had a 38 against Middleburg, and she has been one of the Indians' top scorers. Junior Rebecca Binet has been a close second on the team. Brooks recently shot a 39 on the very hilly Ironwood Golf Course in Gainesville to give Keystone Heights the dual match win.

At Turkey Creek Golf and Country Club, Brooks and Binet finished second and third in a close match second place finish with St. Francis Catholic, 213-219, with Newberry and Bronson third and fourth.

In a matchup between Isbell and Brooks, the pair tied at 38, with Middleburg pulling out a 192-214 win at the Starke Country Club. Isbell had an early birdie with a string of pars, before a double-bogey on her eighth hole let Brooks get close. Brooks finished with a birdie and par to tie the contest. Brooks fought back from three bogeys in her first four holes.

For Clay, soccer and flag football ace Charlotte Glavin has led the Blue Devils. She had a 45 at her home course at Magnolia Point against Oakleaf, and a 47 in a match win over Palatka Sept. 24, also at Magnolia Point.

St. Johns Country Day School senior Addison Kipnis has been a leading scorer, including a strong Oct. 1 tie for first place with a 39 during a match at Bent Creek Golf Course with Old Plank Christian, West Nassau and Bishop Snyder.

The Lady Spartans were second by one stroke, 206-207, to Old Plank. Kipnis had two birdies in her first three holes, but she suffered bogeys on her final three to let Old Plank sophomore Audrina Lee catch her with her a late birdie and two pars.

In a three-way match with powerhouses Bolles, which was ninth in 1A last year, and Bishop Kenny, Kipnis shot a 40 at San Jose Country Club to finish tied for second with two other golfers at 40. Chloe McGrath of Bolles won with a 36. McGrath, 15th in 1A last year, was consistent with seven pars, one birdie and one bogey.

Upcoming

Clay girls at Middleburg, Monday, Oct. 19, at Eagle Landing

St. Johns Country Day School girls, Wednesday, Oct. 21, at Hawkstone Country Club