Sports Archive

The Baker football team began preparations for the 2026-27 football season last week after holding their first set of spring practices.


The Gators suited up in half pads and bared the heat as they look towards having another successful fall season.

The rain at the 1A Region 1 track meet was nothing compared to the adversity Baker’s track and field team had to overcome this season.


Even in the unconventional weather, four Gators punched their ticket to compete at the FHSAA 1A State meet in Jacksonville.

The 1A and 3A regional track meet at Pine Forest happened this past weekend starting May 1.


1A competition had to be carried over into Saturday due to inclement weather, but Baker and Laurel Hill both had athletes advance to state. Crestview also competed Saturday for 3A, with two athletes qualifying for state competition.

FHSAA State weightlifting is happening this week, and Okaloosa County is represented in both 1A and 3A competitions.


3A competition will begin on Thursday, while 1A lifters will have to wait until Friday before putting on their best performance.

After competing at the Regional 1A weightlifting meet on April 24, the Baker Gators earned another trip to Lakeland for a shot at a state championship.


Baker will have eight lifters traveling to the RP Funding Center in Lakeland to compete on May 6.

The Crestview football team hit the field this week for their first set of spring practices.


Dressed out in half pads, the Bulldogs still trained at full speed to prepare for the upcoming fall season.

The Crestview softball team began their postseason this past Tuesday in the District 1-6A softball tournament. The Bulldogs had some stiff competition in the Navarre Raiders, who possessed a 12-7 record at the time.


The two teams went toe to toe, but Navarre reigned victorious after Crestview fell 2-0 in the opening round.

Last Monday the Rural District 1 softball tournament began. Six teams competed for their chance at being crowned district champions.


Baker started off strong with a 10-1 win over Central in the opening round but couldn’t get past No. 1 Northview in the semifinals. The Gators’ season came to a close after losing 14-1.

The Laurel Hill softball team hit the road last Monday as they took on the Paxton Bobcats in the Rural District 1 softball tournament in Jay.


Having never faced Paxton before this season, the Hoboes were taking on a new challenge to try and reach the semifinals. The challenge proved more than Laurel Hill could handle as they were defeated 17-0.

Okaloosa County will be represented this weekend at the regional track meets in Pine Forest.