The Nottingham Little League team’s journey to the 12-year-old Section 3 championship came to a tough end Thursday night at Sayen Park in Hamilton, as they fell to Jackson-Holbrook 5-2, marking a continued championship drought for District 12. For the first time in over a decade, the district is left without a sectional title, a streak that has now stretched 13 years.
A Rocky Start and Early Deficit
In the championship matchup, Jackson-Holbrook wasted no time making their mark. The Ocean County-based team came out of the gates strong, scoring four runs in the top of the first inning, and essentially taking control from the get-go. The early barrage of hits included Tyler Ballard’s two-run home run and a second homer from Gavin Hobbs—both launched over center field. With a series of singles and a few errors on Nottingham’s part, Jackson-Holbrook quickly amassed a lead that was too much to overcome.
“You get punched right in the gut, and it’s tough,” said Nottingham manager Adam Reymann. Despite their best efforts, Nottingham couldn’t recover from that early deficit. “We had a plan; we talked all week about what we had to do and that first inning is tough,” Reymann added. It was a gut-check moment for the Square Boys, as they realized they would need a near-perfect game to get back into the contest.
A Glimmer of Hope with a Late Rally
Despite the overwhelming odds, Nottingham didn’t back down. Their relentless spirit showed in the bottom of the fifth inning when they managed to scrape together two runs. Down 5-0, Owen McWhorter reached base due to a catcher’s interference, and Eli Spurlock followed up with a walk, putting the team in a position to rally. Then came Owen Quirk, whose at-bat will be remembered for its resilience. After battling through a full count and fouling off four straight pitches, Quirk ripped a double down the left-field line that brought home two much-needed runs.
“I was just trying to foul off as many pitches as I could, and when I saw the one I wanted, I wanted to drive it,” Quirk said, reflecting on the clutch at-bat. His perseverance and composure under pressure provided a much-needed spark for Nottingham, even if it wasn’t enough to fully flip the game.
Jackson-Holbrook’s Pitching Prevails
Jackson-Holbrook’s pitcher, Dominick Calise, put together a strong performance on the mound. Though he allowed two hits and walked four, his ability to control the game and strike out key batters when necessary was crucial to the win. He was helped along by strong defensive plays, including an incredible sliding catch by center fielder Brennan Talar, whose father, Chris Talar, was a Hall of Fame center fielder for Steinert High School.
Despite Nottingham’s best efforts, they couldn’t break through Jackson-Holbrook’s pitching, especially when Tyler Ballard came in for the save in the sixth inning. Ballard took over with a mission: to close out the game. His performance was dominant, as he struck out two batters and sealed the deal for Jackson-Holbrook.
A Historic Drought for District 12
This loss marks another disheartening chapter in the history of District 12, as the area has now gone 13 years without a sectional title at the 12-year-old level. Despite reaching the championship round, Nottingham could not break the long-standing drought, continuing a streak that started back in 2012.
While the defeat stings, it was important to note that Nottingham’s resilience throughout the tournament was impressive. After an early setback in the elimination bracket, the team battled back with two straight wins to reach the championship. They entered the final game with confidence, knowing they had set up their pitching well for a strong showing. Unfortunately, as Adam Reymann pointed out, sometimes “the best laid plans don’t work out.”
Jackson-Holbrook’s Perfect Run
For Jackson-Holbrook, the victory caps off a perfect tournament run, as the team heads into the state tournament with a 7-0 record. It’s worth mentioning that Jackson-Holbrook isn’t just a team of upstarts—they have a track record of success, having won the state title two years ago before merging with Holbrook. They will certainly be a team to watch as they carry this momentum into the next phase of the Little League tournament.
“It’s been a great run for us, but we know the state tournament is a whole different level,” said Jackson-Holbrook’s manager. Their success, especially in the early rounds, speaks to the depth and talent of the team, and their ability to play with consistency under pressure.
Reflecting on the Season: A Fight to the End
For Nottingham, the championship loss is a tough pill to swallow, but the team’s spirit and perseverance cannot be overlooked. Owen Quirk‘s emotional farewell to the team, admitting it was tough to leave after playing for Nottingham Little League since he was four, shows just how much these moments mean to the players. “We lost, but we did everything as a team,” Quirk said with a smile, showing the deep camaraderie and commitment that defines Nottingham’s culture.
As manager Reymann said, “The one thing I can say about these kids is they never gave up. They never lost the intensity. They made it a battle the whole way.” While the team’s journey ended just short of glory, the growth, effort, and heart they showed are what will stick with everyone involved.
Looking Ahead
Despite the disappointment, Nottingham Little League’s performance in this year’s tournament should not be underestimated. The team fought valiantly and gave Jackson-Holbrook everything they could handle. With future talent coming through the ranks, the dream of ending District 12’s title drought remains alive.
As for Jackson-Holbrook, they now look forward to the state tournament, where they will face even stiffer competition. District 12’s drought may have continued for now, but the story of this year’s championship game will certainly be one that players, coaches, and fans won’t soon forget.
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