Stories by Brian Lester
Stories by Brian Lester
Check out the latest FHSAA regional basketball rankings
January 20, 2026
With less than two weeks to play in the regular season, several area basketball teams are still among the best in the region.
Raider baseball team ready to turn things around in 2026
January 20, 2026
Navarre’s baseball team won seven games last season, but despite some of the tough moments, there were positives.
The Raiders hope to carry some of those into the 2026 campaign, and head coach John Crossley will tell you the energy in practice has been strong.
The Raiders hope to carry some of those into the 2026 campaign, and head coach John Crossley will tell you the energy in practice has been strong.
Runner-up finish for Raiders at district weightlifting meet
January 20, 2026
Gabby Johnson stepped onto the podium twice during the District 1-3A girls weightlifting meet last Monday at Pace.
The senior finished third for Navarre in Olympic and traditional in the 199-lbs. weight class, helping the Raiders finish second overall as team. But her success only tells part of her story.
The senior finished third for Navarre in Olympic and traditional in the 199-lbs. weight class, helping the Raiders finish second overall as team. But her success only tells part of her story.
Steve Chard enjoying another trip around the Great Loop
January 19, 2026
Steve Chard pulls up in his kayak to a boat ramp in Moore Haven, Florida, on Dec. 29 and a man who is fishing asks what he’s doing.
Chard tells him about his journey and the purpose behind it and is offered a place to stay for the night. It’s day 166 of his Great Loop adventure.
Brian Out Loud
January 19, 2026
There is a lot I could touch on this week in this space, but I’ve seen a few posts lately that have me thinking about what the current era of youth and high school sports.
It’s district tournament time for area soccer teams
January 18, 2026
Navarre, Pace and Milton head into the District 1-6A soccer tournament this week.
Weight almost over! Weightlifting postseason set to start
January 16, 2026
Another postseason is ahead for area high school weightlifting teams.
For 3A teams, the journey begins Monday at Pace with the District 1-3A meet. The 1A meet is on Wednesday at Baker.
For 3A teams, the journey begins Monday at Pace with the District 1-3A meet. The 1A meet is on Wednesday at Baker.
A closer look at success of Raider girls basketball team
January 15, 2026
Navarre’s girls basketball season is having one of its best seasons in program history.
The Raiders have thrived behind veteran talent and stellar play on both ends of the floor.
The Raiders have thrived behind veteran talent and stellar play on both ends of the floor.
Raider girls soccer team comes up short against Pace
January 15, 2026
Navarre’s girls soccer team had an opportunity to perhaps steal the No. 2 seed from Pace for the District 1-6A tournament.
But a penalty kick late in the action, resulting from a questionable call that left head coach Rob Simon frustrated, proved to be the difference in a 1-0 loss to the Patriots on the road last Tuesday night.
But a penalty kick late in the action, resulting from a questionable call that left head coach Rob Simon frustrated, proved to be the difference in a 1-0 loss to the Patriots on the road last Tuesday night.
Marcus Stokes transfers to Memphis
January 13, 2026
Former University of West Florida quarterback Marcus Stokes has transferred to Division I Memphis.
















