The Nokomis Redskins are headed to the Super-Sectional for the first time in nearly five decades after defeating the Indians 4-3 in a thrilling sectional championship game on Friday.
With the victory, Nokomis captured its first sectional championship since 1977 and continued a postseason run that will now take them to Lincoln Land Community College on Monday for a Super-Sectional matchup against Jacksonville Routt at 4 p.m.
Nokomis wasted little time getting on the board. In the bottom of the first inning, Levi German doubled to center field to score Carter Wexstten and give the Redskins a 1-0 lead. Later in the frame, Nolan Herpstreith delivered an RBI single that plated German and extended the advantage to 2-0.
The Redskins added two more runs in the second inning to build what proved to be a crucial cushion. Blain Goodwin scored on a Landon Glenn triple, and Kannon Jonas followed with an RBI double to score Glenn, pushing the lead to 4-0.
The Indians battled back late. Gavin Greer’s RBI single in the sixth inning brought home Torsten Polistina to cut the deficit to 4-1. Corbin Miller added an RBI groundout later in the inning, making it 4-2.
In the seventh, the Indians threatened again when Hudson Wort’s groundout scored Mason Dorr to pull within one run at 4-3. However, Nokomis pitcher Kannon Jonas recorded the final out to secure the historic victory.
Jonas was outstanding on the mound, tossing a complete game. He allowed three runs on nine hits while striking out six and walking just one over 6.2 innings.
Offensively, Landon Glenn led the Redskins with a triple, three total bases, a run scored, and an RBI. Jonas helped his own cause with a double and an RBI, while Levi German contributed a double, RBI, and run scored. Carter Wexstten reached base twice and scored twice in the win.
For the Indians, Hudson Wort collected two hits and drove in a run. Greer finished with a hit and RBI, while Corbin Miller added an RBI. Hunter Barber, Carter Morell, Carson Contreras, and Mason Dorr each recorded hits as well.
Top Performers
Nokomis
- Kannon Jonas: 1-for-3, double, RBI; Complete game, 6 K
- Landon Glenn: 1-for-3, triple, RBI, run scored
- Levi German: 1-for-3, double, RBI, run scored
- Carter Wexstten: 1-for-2, 2 runs scored, walk
- Nolan Herpstreith: 1-for-3, RBI
Indians
- Hudson Wort: 2-for-4, RBI
- Gavin Greer: 1-for-3, RBI
- Corbin Miller: 1-for-3, RBI
- Hunter Barber: 1-for-3
- Carter Morell: 1-for-3
Nokomis (now sectional champions for the first time since 1977) will face Jacksonville Routt in the IHSA Super-Sectional at Lincoln Land Community College on Monday at 4 p.m. with a trip to state on the line.
Kannon Jonas talks big win for Nokomis.
#34 Nolan Herpstreith with the RBI single for Nokomis.
#5 Kannon Jones with the RBI ground rule Double for Nokomis.
#17 Corbin Miller with a smooth single for Pawnee.
#1 Torsten Polistina with a DIVING GRAB for Pawnee.
#8 Landon Glenn crushes a TRIPLE for Nokomis.
#12 Luke Eisenbarth gets over to make the catch in foul territory for Nokomis.
#13 Carter Wexstten with a perfectly placed double for Nokomis.
#5 Hudson Wort with a smooth defensive play for Pawnee.
#20 Levi German with the DEEP RBI double to open the scoring for Nokomis.
#7 Gavin Greer with the RBI single for Pawnee. #ilswpawnee
#5 Kannon Jonas was rolling today for Nokomis.