Buchholz and Newberry oh my! Newest baseball, softball FHSAA rankings released

Buchholz and Newberry oh my! Newest baseball, softball FHSAA rankings released

The end of the regular season is near for Gainesville-area baseball and softball, and the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) released its latest rankings Tuesday, April 7.

For baseball, this is the penultimate rankings before district play begins next week. Softball still has a few more weeks, but the games are only gaining importance from here on out.

Speaking of which, here’s what we learned in the latest polls:

Here comes Buchholz…and Newberry

All this talk of the “best baseball team” in the area, and it seems like it was Buchholz all along. The Bobcats have lost just three times since February 20 and once since March 17. That came last Monday to Lowndes – one of the best teams in Georgia. In this week’s rankings, BHS is into the top 30 at No. 29 – fifth in 6A and second in Region 1.

Trenton William Herndon (11) dives back to first as Williston Daxton Weston (15) takes the throw during an FHSAA baseball game at Williston High School baseball field in Williston, FL on Thursday, March 26, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]

Trenton William Herndon (11) dives back to first as Williston Daxton Weston (15) takes the throw during an FHSAA baseball game at Williston High School baseball field in Williston, FL on Thursday, March 26, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]

Trenton Joniel Duran (21) makes a catch during an FHSAA baseball game at Williston High School baseball field in Williston, FL on Thursday, March 26, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]

Williston Maverick Jones (8) slides back to first while Trenton Pierson Weatherilt (27) makes the catch during an FHSAA baseball game at Williston High School baseball field in Williston, FL on Thursday, March 26, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]

Williston Maverick Jones (8) looks to steal second during an FHSAA baseball game at Williston High School baseball field in Williston, FL on Thursday, March 26, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]

Williston Maverick Jones (8) slides back to first while Trenton Pierson Weatherilt (27) makes the catch during an FHSAA baseball game at Williston High School baseball field in Williston, FL on Thursday, March 26, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]

Trenton Mason Vuncannon (3) steals second during an FHSAA baseball game at Williston High School baseball field in Williston, FL on Thursday, March 26, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]

Trenton Pierson Weatherilt (27) gets Williston Cannon Sims (9) out at first during an FHSAA baseball game at Williston High School baseball field in Williston, FL on Thursday, March 26, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]

Williston Braige Schneider (7) hits during an FHSAA baseball game at Williston High School baseball field in Williston, FL on Thursday, March 26, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]

Williston Braige Schneider (7) hits during an FHSAA baseball game at Williston High School baseball field in Williston, FL on Thursday, March 26, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]

Williston Harlan Cole (6) pitches during an FHSAA baseball game at Williston High School baseball field in Williston, FL on Thursday, March 26, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]

Williston Cannon Sims (9) goes for the tag on Trenton Mason Vuncannon (3) during an FHSAA baseball game at Williston High School baseball field in Williston, FL on Thursday, March 26, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]

during an FHSAA baseball game at Williston High School baseball field in Williston, FL on Thursday, March 26, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]

Williston Maverick Jones (8) steals second when the ball gets by Trenton Brant Bivens (1) during an FHSAA baseball game at Williston High School baseball field in Williston, FL on Thursday, March 26, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]

Trenton Mason Vuncannon (3) pitches during an FHSAA baseball game at Williston High School baseball field in Williston, FL on Thursday, March 26, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]

Williston Daxton Weston (15) takes the throw at first during an FHSAA baseball game at Williston High School baseball field in Williston, FL on Thursday, March 26, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]

Williston Maverick Jones (8) pitches during an FHSAA baseball game at Williston High School baseball field in Williston, FL on Thursday, March 26, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]

Williston Colby Jansen (1) misses the out as Trenton Gabriel Cobb (4) scores during an FHSAA baseball game at Williston High School baseball field in Williston, FL on Thursday, March 26, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]

Williston Maverick Jones (8) steals third past Trenton Gabriel Cobb (4) during an FHSAA baseball game at Williston High School baseball field in Williston, FL on Thursday, March 26, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]

1 / 19

Trenton baseball travels to Williston to take on the Red Devils. See the photos!

Trenton William Herndon (11) dives back to first as Williston Daxton Weston (15) takes the throw during an FHSAA baseball game at Williston High School baseball field in Williston, FL on Thursday, March 26, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]

1 / 19

Trenton baseball travels to Williston to take on the Red Devils. See the photos!

Trenton William Herndon (11) dives back to first as Williston Daxton Weston (15) takes the throw during an FHSAA baseball game at Williston High School baseball field in Williston, FL on Thursday, March 26, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]

2 / 19

Trenton baseball travels to Williston to take on the Red Devils. See the photos!

Trenton William Herndon (11) dives back to first as Williston Daxton Weston (15) takes the throw during an FHSAA baseball game at Williston High School baseball field in Williston, FL on Thursday, March 26, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]

3 / 19

Trenton baseball travels to Williston to take on the Red Devils. See the photos!

Trenton Joniel Duran (21) makes a catch during an FHSAA baseball game at Williston High School baseball field in Williston, FL on Thursday, March 26, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]

4 / 19

Trenton baseball travels to Williston to take on the Red Devils. See the photos!

Williston Maverick Jones (8) slides back to first while Trenton Pierson Weatherilt (27) makes the catch during an FHSAA baseball game at Williston High School baseball field in Williston, FL on Thursday, March 26, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]

5 / 19

Trenton baseball travels to Williston to take on the Red Devils. See the photos!

Williston Maverick Jones (8) looks to steal second during an FHSAA baseball game at Williston High School baseball field in Williston, FL on Thursday, March 26, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]

6 / 19

Trenton baseball travels to Williston to take on the Red Devils. See the photos!

Williston Maverick Jones (8) slides back to first while Trenton Pierson Weatherilt (27) makes the catch during an FHSAA baseball game at Williston High School baseball field in Williston, FL on Thursday, March 26, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]

7 / 19

Trenton baseball travels to Williston to take on the Red Devils. See the photos!

Trenton Mason Vuncannon (3) steals second during an FHSAA baseball game at Williston High School baseball field in Williston, FL on Thursday, March 26, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]

8 / 19

Trenton baseball travels to Williston to take on the Red Devils. See the photos!

Trenton Pierson Weatherilt (27) gets Williston Cannon Sims (9) out at first during an FHSAA baseball game at Williston High School baseball field in Williston, FL on Thursday, March 26, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]

9 / 19

Trenton baseball travels to Williston to take on the Red Devils. See the photos!

Williston Braige Schneider (7) hits during an FHSAA baseball game at Williston High School baseball field in Williston, FL on Thursday, March 26, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]

10 / 19

Trenton baseball travels to Williston to take on the Red Devils. See the photos!

Williston Braige Schneider (7) hits during an FHSAA baseball game at Williston High School baseball field in Williston, FL on Thursday, March 26, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]

11 / 19

Trenton baseball travels to Williston to take on the Red Devils. See the photos!

Williston Harlan Cole (6) pitches during an FHSAA baseball game at Williston High School baseball field in Williston, FL on Thursday, March 26, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]

12 / 19

Trenton baseball travels to Williston to take on the Red Devils. See the photos!

Williston Cannon Sims (9) goes for the tag on Trenton Mason Vuncannon (3) during an FHSAA baseball game at Williston High School baseball field in Williston, FL on Thursday, March 26, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]

13 / 19

Trenton baseball travels to Williston to take on the Red Devils. See the photos!

during an FHSAA baseball game at Williston High School baseball field in Williston, FL on Thursday, March 26, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]

14 / 19

Trenton baseball travels to Williston to take on the Red Devils. See the photos!

Williston Maverick Jones (8) steals second when the ball gets by Trenton Brant Bivens (1) during an FHSAA baseball game at Williston High School baseball field in Williston, FL on Thursday, March 26, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]

15 / 19

Buchholz and Newberry oh my! Newest baseball, softball FHSAA rankings released

Trenton Mason Vuncannon (3) pitches during an FHSAA baseball game at Williston High School baseball field in Williston, FL on Thursday, March 26, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]

16 / 19

Trenton baseball travels to Williston to take on the Red Devils. See the photos!

Williston Daxton Weston (15) takes the throw at first during an FHSAA baseball game at Williston High School baseball field in Williston, FL on Thursday, March 26, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]

17 / 19

Trenton baseball travels to Williston to take on the Red Devils. See the photos!

Williston Maverick Jones (8) pitches during an FHSAA baseball game at Williston High School baseball field in Williston, FL on Thursday, March 26, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]

18 / 19

Trenton baseball travels to Williston to take on the Red Devils. See the photos!

Williston Colby Jansen (1) misses the out as Trenton Gabriel Cobb (4) scores during an FHSAA baseball game at Williston High School baseball field in Williston, FL on Thursday, March 26, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]

19 / 19

Trenton baseball travels to Williston to take on the Red Devils. See the photos!

Williston Maverick Jones (8) steals third past Trenton Gabriel Cobb (4) during an FHSAA baseball game at Williston High School baseball field in Williston, FL on Thursday, March 26, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]

Like years past, BHS’ pitching is the reason for the change. The Bobcats haven’t allowed more than three runs in a game since that March 17 loss to Bishop Kenny.

Chris Malphurs’ squad has four arms – Aidan Kastensmidt, Dion Wilburn, Reed Thomas and Coen Laffler – all with ERAs under 3.05 in at least 27.2 innings.

That’s a winning formula in the postseason.

Newberry has moved up almost 90 spots since the first rankings a month ago. The Panthers have now officially cracked the top 100 thanks to a 10-game winning streak and the brilliance at the plate of Florida baseball commit Tavis Honeycutt.

Unfortunately, NHS is still on the outside looking in for the postseason at No. 9 in Class 2A-Region 1 (the best region in the state). A win Tuesday over Suwannee, plus a district tournament run, could allow Newberry to pass Pensacola Catholic (88 overall) for the final playoff spot.

Are big wins enough for GHS softball

Gainesville High School softball players celebrate after winning a softball game against Trenton High School at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, October 5, 2023. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

Gainesville player Aubree Suarez (7) runs home during a softball game against Trenton High School at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, October 5, 2023. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

Gainesville player Leanna Bourdage (14) pitches the ball during a softball game againstTrenton High School at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, October 5, 2023. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

Gainesville player Adriana Koralewski (16) bunts the ball during a softball game against Trenton High School at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, October 5, 2023. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

Gainesville player Lana Renicks (15) slides to third past Trenton player Khloe Kirby (28) during a softball game October 5, 2023. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

Gainesville player Leanna Bourdage (14) hits the ball during a softball game against Trenton High School at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, October 5, 2023. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

Trenton player Alexsandra Faught (12) hits the ball during a softball game against Gainesville High School at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, October 5, 2023. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

Trenton player Presley Akins (5) celebrates after a run to second base during a softball game against Gainesville High School at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, October 5, 2023. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

Gainesville player Roxanne Walsh (5) bunts the ball during a softball game against Trenton High School at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, October 5, 2023. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

during a softball game between Trenton High School and Gainesville High School at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, October 5, 2023. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

Trenton player Addilynn Welbers (33) runs to first base during a softball game against Gainesville High School at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, October 5, 2023. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

Trenton player Addilynn Welbers (33) hits the ball during a softball game against Gainesville High School at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, October 5, 2023. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

Gainesville player Adriana Koralewski (16) swings at a ball during a softball game against Trenton High School at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, October 5, 2023. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

Gainesville player Leanna Bourdage (14) pitches the ball during a softball game againstTrenton High School at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, October 5, 2023. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

Trenton player MacKenzie Fisher (65) slides to second base during a softball game between Trenton High School and Gainesville High School at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, October 5, 2023. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

Gainesville player Leanna Bourdage (14) pitches the ball during a softball game against Trenton High School at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, October 5, 2023. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

Gainesville player Lana Renicks (15) slides into second base past Trenton player Emaleigh Philmon (6) during a softball game at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, October 5, 2023. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

Trenton player Addison Allaire (2) pitches the ball during a softball game against Gainesville High School at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, October 5, 2023. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

Trenton player Addison Allaire (2) pitches the ball during a softball game against Gainesville High School at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, October 5, 2023. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

Gainesville player Leanna Bourdage (14) pitches the ball during a softball game against Trenton High School at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, October 5, 2023. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

Gainesville player Leanna Bourdage (14) pitches the ball during a softball game against Trenton High School at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, October 5, 2023. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

1 / 21

Gainesville High softball hosted Trenton on Thursday night. See our best photos!

Gainesville High School softball players celebrate after winning a softball game against Trenton High School at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, October 5, 2023. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

1 / 21

Gainesville High softball hosted Trenton on Thursday night. See our best photos!

Gainesville High School softball players celebrate after winning a softball game against Trenton High School at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, October 5, 2023. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

2 / 21

Gainesville High softball hosted Trenton on Thursday night. See our best photos!

Gainesville player Aubree Suarez (7) runs home during a softball game against Trenton High School at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, October 5, 2023. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

3 / 21

Gainesville High softball hosted Trenton on Thursday night. See our best photos!

Gainesville player Leanna Bourdage (14) pitches the ball during a softball game againstTrenton High School at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, October 5, 2023. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

4 / 21

Gainesville High softball hosted Trenton on Thursday night. See our best photos!

Gainesville player Adriana Koralewski (16) bunts the ball during a softball game against Trenton High School at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, October 5, 2023. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

5 / 21

Gainesville High softball hosted Trenton on Thursday night. See our best photos!

Gainesville player Lana Renicks (15) slides to third past Trenton player Khloe Kirby (28) during a softball game October 5, 2023. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

6 / 21

Gainesville High softball hosted Trenton on Thursday night. See our best photos!

Gainesville player Leanna Bourdage (14) hits the ball during a softball game against Trenton High School at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, October 5, 2023. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

7 / 21

Gainesville High softball hosted Trenton on Thursday night. See our best photos!

Trenton player Alexsandra Faught (12) hits the ball during a softball game against Gainesville High School at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, October 5, 2023. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

8 / 21

Gainesville High softball hosted Trenton on Thursday night. See our best photos!

Trenton player Presley Akins (5) celebrates after a run to second base during a softball game against Gainesville High School at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, October 5, 2023. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

9 / 21

Gainesville High softball hosted Trenton on Thursday night. See our best photos!

Gainesville player Roxanne Walsh (5) bunts the ball during a softball game against Trenton High School at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, October 5, 2023. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

10 / 21

Gainesville High softball hosted Trenton on Thursday night. See our best photos!

during a softball game between Trenton High School and Gainesville High School at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, October 5, 2023. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

11 / 21

Gainesville High softball hosted Trenton on Thursday night. See our best photos!

Trenton player Addilynn Welbers (33) runs to first base during a softball game against Gainesville High School at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, October 5, 2023. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

12 / 21

Gainesville High softball hosted Trenton on Thursday night. See our best photos!

Trenton player Addilynn Welbers (33) hits the ball during a softball game against Gainesville High School at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, October 5, 2023. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

13 / 21

Gainesville High softball hosted Trenton on Thursday night. See our best photos!

Gainesville player Adriana Koralewski (16) swings at a ball during a softball game against Trenton High School at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, October 5, 2023. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

14 / 21

Gainesville High softball hosted Trenton on Thursday night. See our best photos!

Gainesville player Leanna Bourdage (14) pitches the ball during a softball game againstTrenton High School at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, October 5, 2023. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

15 / 21

Gainesville High softball hosted Trenton on Thursday night. See our best photos!

Trenton player MacKenzie Fisher (65) slides to second base during a softball game between Trenton High School and Gainesville High School at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, October 5, 2023. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

16 / 21

Gainesville High softball hosted Trenton on Thursday night. See our best photos!

Gainesville player Leanna Bourdage (14) pitches the ball during a softball game against Trenton High School at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, October 5, 2023. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

17 / 21

Gainesville High softball hosted Trenton on Thursday night. See our best photos!

Gainesville player Lana Renicks (15) slides into second base past Trenton player Emaleigh Philmon (6) during a softball game at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, October 5, 2023. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

18 / 21

Gainesville High softball hosted Trenton on Thursday night. See our best photos!

Trenton player Addison Allaire (2) pitches the ball during a softball game against Gainesville High School at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, October 5, 2023. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

19 / 21

Gainesville High softball hosted Trenton on Thursday night. See our best photos!

Trenton player Addison Allaire (2) pitches the ball during a softball game against Gainesville High School at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, October 5, 2023. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

20 / 21

Gainesville High softball hosted Trenton on Thursday night. See our best photos!

Gainesville player Leanna Bourdage (14) pitches the ball during a softball game against Trenton High School at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, October 5, 2023. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

21 / 21

Gainesville High softball hosted Trenton on Thursday night. See our best photos!

Gainesville player Leanna Bourdage (14) pitches the ball during a softball game against Trenton High School at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, October 5, 2023. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

The Hurricanes still sit outside the top 80 in the state, despite big wins of late over Trenton and Buchholz. Winter Springs, Springstead, Sebring and Belleview all sit ahead of the ‘Canes.

The rankings can say what they want, but the honest truth is perhaps no team has looked better of late than GHS and Texas A&M commit and ace Leanna Bourdage. Its remaining schedule…Palatka, Forest, Newberry, Fort White and Ridgeview leaves something to be desired, but if the Hurricanes run the table, their recent success will be hard to ignore.

The Bobcats and Panthers also need some wins to bolster their resume. The ‘Cats still have a whopping eight games left, and barring a collapse, should be in the postseason.

The Panthers still have eight games left as well, including vs. Buchholz and Gainesville High.

What’s going on in the Rural Class?

Softball is clearer cut. Trenton, despite the loss to Gainesville High, is still the clear favorite for a state title. Tuesday’s titanic showdown vs. Santa Fe will help to provide some clarity – especially after the two team’s extra inning-thriller in Gilchrist County on March 24 – won by Trenton.

Santa Fe player Callie Blair (3) hits the ball during a softball game against Branford High School at Santa Fe High School in Alachua, FL on Friday, March 27, 2026. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

Santa Fe player Callie Blair (3) hits the ball during a softball game against Branford High School at Santa Fe High School in Alachua, FL on Friday, March 27, 2026 [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

Santa Fe player Maren Hornsby (1) runs to first during a softball game against Branford High School at Santa Fe High School in Alachua, FL on Friday, March 27, 2026. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

Santa Fe player Maren Hornsby (1) bunts the ball during a softball game against Branford High School at Santa Fe High School in Alachua, FL on on Friday, March 27, 2026 [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

Santa Fe player Juliana Mott (11) hits the ball during a softball against Branford High School at Santa Fe High School in Alachua, FL on on Friday, March 27, 2026. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

Branford player Harleigh Price (21) pitches the ball during a softball game against Santa Fe High School at Santa Fe High School in Alachua, FL on on Friday, March 27, 2026. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

Branford player Danielle Whitfield (14) hits the ball during a softball game between Branford High School and Santa Fe High School at Santa Fe High School in Alachua, FL on on Friday, March 27, 2026. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

Santa Fe player Rylee Swilley (19) pitches the ball during a softball game against Branford High School at Santa Fe High School in Alachua, FL on on Friday, March 27, 2026 [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

Santa Fe player Callie Blair (3) runs home during a softball game against Branford High School at Santa Fe High School in Alachua, FL on Friday, March 27, 2026 [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

Santa Fe player Corie Wheeler (8) swings at a ball during a softball game against Branford High School at Santa Fe High School in Alachua, FL on on Friday, March 27, 2026 [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

Santa Fe player Callie Blair (3) celebrates after running to second base during a softball game against Branford High School at Santa Fe High School in Alachua, FL on Friday, March 27, 2026 [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

Santa Fe player Callie Blair (3) swings at the ball during a softball game against Branford High School at Santa Fe High School in Alachua, FL on on Friday, March 27, 2026. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

Branford player Hunter Revis (16) runs to first base during a softball game against Santa Fe High School at Santa Fe High School in Alachua, FL on Friday, March 27, 2026 [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

Branford player Hunter Revis (16) hits the ball during a softball game against Santa Fe High School at Santa Fe High School in Alachua, FLon Friday, March 27, 2026 [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

Branford player Aurelia Darling (88) hits the ball during a softball game against Santa Fe High School at Santa Fe High School in Alachua, FL on Friday, March 27, 2026. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

Branford player Danielle Whitfield (14) runs to first base during a softball game against Santa Fe High School at Santa Fe High School in Alachua, FL on Friday, March 27, 2026. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

Santa Fe player Callie Blair (3) reaches out to tag Branford player Peyton Miller (17) during a softball game at Santa Fe High School in Alachua, FL on on Friday, March 27, 2026. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

Santa Fe player Maren Hornsby (1) runs to second base during a softball game against Branford High School at Santa Fe High School in Alachua, FL on Friday, March 27, 2026. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

Santa Fe player Corie Wheeler (8) rounds second base during a softball game against Branford High School at Santa Fe High School in Alachua, FL on Friday, March 27, 2026. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

Santa Fe player Rylee Swilley (19) pitches the ball during a softball game against Branford High School at Santa Fe High School in Alachua, FL on Friday, March 27, 2026. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

1 / 20

Santa Fe softball shuts down Branford 6-0 at home. See the photos!

Santa Fe player Callie Blair (3) hits the ball during a softball game against Branford High School at Santa Fe High School in Alachua, FL on Friday, March 27, 2026. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

1 / 20

Santa Fe softball shuts down Branford 6-0 at home. See the photos!

Santa Fe player Callie Blair (3) hits the ball during a softball game against Branford High School at Santa Fe High School in Alachua, FL on Friday, March 27, 2026. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

2 / 20

Santa Fe softball shuts down Branford 6-0 at home. See the photos!

Santa Fe player Callie Blair (3) hits the ball during a softball game against Branford High School at Santa Fe High School in Alachua, FL on Friday, March 27, 2026 [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

3 / 20

Santa Fe softball shuts down Branford 6-0 at home. See the photos!

Santa Fe player Maren Hornsby (1) runs to first during a softball game against Branford High School at Santa Fe High School in Alachua, FL on Friday, March 27, 2026. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

4 / 20

Santa Fe softball shuts down Branford 6-0 at home. See the photos!

Santa Fe player Maren Hornsby (1) bunts the ball during a softball game against Branford High School at Santa Fe High School in Alachua, FL on on Friday, March 27, 2026 [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

5 / 20

Santa Fe softball shuts down Branford 6-0 at home. See the photos!

Santa Fe player Juliana Mott (11) hits the ball during a softball against Branford High School at Santa Fe High School in Alachua, FL on on Friday, March 27, 2026. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

6 / 20

Santa Fe softball shuts down Branford 6-0 at home. See the photos!

Branford player Harleigh Price (21) pitches the ball during a softball game against Santa Fe High School at Santa Fe High School in Alachua, FL on on Friday, March 27, 2026. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

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Santa Fe softball shuts down Branford 6-0 at home. See the photos!

Branford player Danielle Whitfield (14) hits the ball during a softball game between Branford High School and Santa Fe High School at Santa Fe High School in Alachua, FL on on Friday, March 27, 2026. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

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Vote in the Gainesville-area Athlete of the Week poll for March 23-29

Santa Fe player Rylee Swilley (19) pitches the ball during a softball game against Branford High School at Santa Fe High School in Alachua, FL on on Friday, March 27, 2026 [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

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Santa Fe softball shuts down Branford 6-0 at home. See the photos!

Santa Fe player Callie Blair (3) runs home during a softball game against Branford High School at Santa Fe High School in Alachua, FL on Friday, March 27, 2026 [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

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Santa Fe softball shuts down Branford 6-0 at home. See the photos!

Santa Fe player Corie Wheeler (8) swings at a ball during a softball game against Branford High School at Santa Fe High School in Alachua, FL on on Friday, March 27, 2026 [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

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Santa Fe softball shuts down Branford 6-0 at home. See the photos!

Santa Fe player Callie Blair (3) celebrates after running to second base during a softball game against Branford High School at Santa Fe High School in Alachua, FL on Friday, March 27, 2026 [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

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Santa Fe softball shuts down Branford 6-0 at home. See the photos!

Santa Fe player Callie Blair (3) swings at the ball during a softball game against Branford High School at Santa Fe High School in Alachua, FL on on Friday, March 27, 2026. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

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Santa Fe softball shuts down Branford 6-0 at home. See the photos!

Branford player Hunter Revis (16) runs to first base during a softball game against Santa Fe High School at Santa Fe High School in Alachua, FL on Friday, March 27, 2026 [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

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Santa Fe softball shuts down Branford 6-0 at home. See the photos!

Branford player Hunter Revis (16) hits the ball during a softball game against Santa Fe High School at Santa Fe High School in Alachua, FLon Friday, March 27, 2026 [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

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Santa Fe softball shuts down Branford 6-0 at home. See the photos!

Branford player Aurelia Darling (88) hits the ball during a softball game against Santa Fe High School at Santa Fe High School in Alachua, FL on Friday, March 27, 2026. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

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Santa Fe softball shuts down Branford 6-0 at home. See the photos!

Branford player Danielle Whitfield (14) runs to first base during a softball game against Santa Fe High School at Santa Fe High School in Alachua, FL on Friday, March 27, 2026. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

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Santa Fe softball shuts down Branford 6-0 at home. See the photos!

Santa Fe player Callie Blair (3) reaches out to tag Branford player Peyton Miller (17) during a softball game at Santa Fe High School in Alachua, FL on on Friday, March 27, 2026. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

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Santa Fe softball shuts down Branford 6-0 at home. See the photos!

Santa Fe player Maren Hornsby (1) runs to second base during a softball game against Branford High School at Santa Fe High School in Alachua, FL on Friday, March 27, 2026. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

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Santa Fe softball shuts down Branford 6-0 at home. See the photos!

Santa Fe player Corie Wheeler (8) rounds second base during a softball game against Branford High School at Santa Fe High School in Alachua, FL on Friday, March 27, 2026. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

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Santa Fe softball shuts down Branford 6-0 at home. See the photos!

Santa Fe player Rylee Swilley (19) pitches the ball during a softball game against Branford High School at Santa Fe High School in Alachua, FL on Friday, March 27, 2026. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun]

Branford is still hanging around, but the Bucs have struggled in their two games vs. Trenton, plus losses to Santa Fe and Eustis. Branford will need more than Harleigh Price’s heroics to finally get over that hump this season and claim a state title.

Baseball remains a two-horse race between Union County and Trenton on paper, but neither are jumping off the page. The Fightin’ Tigers are No. 80 state wide, and the Tigers at 103.

Certainly, Wednesday night’s game between the two will help provide insight, but can another area squad like Lafayette or even Bradford make some noise? Only time will tell.

Noah Ram covers Florida Gators athletics and Gainesville-area high school sports for The Gainesville Sun, GatorSports.com and the USA TODAY Network. Contact him at nram@usatodayco.com. Follow him on X @Noah_ram1 and on Instagram @Ramreporter.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Gainesville area teams in latest FHSAA baseball, softball rankings