Stories by Brian Lester
Stories by Brian Lester
Pace girls soccer team wins district semifinal thriller
January 23, 2026
Forget about shying away from pressure.
Zoe Mattes wanted the weight of it on her shoulders as she lined up for a chance to put the finishing touches on a penalty kick shootout against Navarre in a District 1-6A semifinal Thursday night.
Zoe Mattes wanted the weight of it on her shoulders as she lined up for a chance to put the finishing touches on a penalty kick shootout against Navarre in a District 1-6A semifinal Thursday night.
Experience pays off for Central at district weightlifting meet
January 22, 2026
Kelsey Campbell was all smiles after the District 1-1A weightlifting meet Wednesday at Baker.
The Jaguar senior won a district title in the 101-lbs. weight class in traditional and nearly claimed a title in Olympic as well, earning runner-up honors there.
The Jaguar senior won a district title in the 101-lbs. weight class in traditional and nearly claimed a title in Olympic as well, earning runner-up honors there.
Milton’s girls soccer season ends against Aggies
January 22, 2026
Milton’s girls soccer team had one of its best seasons in program history, and the Panthers had hoped it would carry on beyond last week.
But falling behind by two goals in the first half against Tate in a District 1-6A quarterfinal on a chilly Tuesday night in late January proved to be too much to overcome.
But falling behind by two goals in the first half against Tate in a District 1-6A quarterfinal on a chilly Tuesday night in late January proved to be too much to overcome.
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.
Milton Panthers have ‘something to build on’ from district meet
January 20, 2026
Milton’s girls weightlifting team is relatively young this season but the Panthers still put forth their best effort at the District 1-3A meet Monday at Pace.
Another district title for Pace in girls weightlifting
January 20, 2026
Layah Slaughter wasn’t sure how well she would do at the District 1-3A girls weightlifting meet Monday at Pace.
The Patriot standout and a 2025 state champion, said she felt confident, however, once she started warming up.
The Patriot standout and a 2025 state champion, said she felt confident, however, once she started warming up.
Final two weeks of boys hoops regular season are ahead
January 19, 2026
Two weeks remain in the high school basketball regular season and there is plenty to keep an eye on as we head down the stretch.
Final two weeks of girls hoops regular season are ahead
January 19, 2026
Two weeks remain in the high school hoops regular season and there is plenty to keep an eye on heading down the stretch.
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.















