Nokomis has relied on a stalwart defense averaging 12.71 points allowed per game, but that average took a hit on Friday. They fell 33-20 to the Sullivan-Okaw Valley/Bethany Redskins. The result was an unpleasant reminder to Nokomis of the 30-22 defeat they experienced in the pair's previous head-to-head fixture back in October of 2023.
Despite the loss, Nokomis still got an impressive performance from Nolan Herpstreith, who rushed for 166 yards and three touchdowns while picking up 8.7 yards per carry. Herpstreith's rushing production has been exceptional recently as that marked his fifth straight game with at least 100 rushing yards dating back to last season. Nokomis also got a significant boost from Daryl Evans, who ran away from the competition to the tune of 90 yards.
He was just one part of a punishing run game: Nokomis was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 292 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 189 rushing yards in seven consecutive matches.
Even if they lost, Nokomis' defensive line still kept up the pressure with five sacks. Hunter Arkebauer was especially locked on to Sullivan-Okaw Valley/Bethany's QB and sacked him twice. Arkebauer also set a new season high mark in total tackles with ten.
Aian Fryman was his usual excellent self, rushing for 301 yards and two touchdowns while picking up 13.7 yards per carry for Sullivan-Okaw Valley/Bethany. Fryman really tore up the turf during one magnificent 72-yard run. Cooper Christensen was another key player, rushing for 40 yards and a touchdown.
Nokomis' loss dropped their record down to 5-2. As for Sullivan-Okaw Valley/Bethany, the win for them keeps them at an undefeated 7-0.
Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Nokomis will head out to challenge Cumberland at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Cumberland is coming into the matchup with four straight victories at home, so Nokomis will have to stop a squad with plenty of momentum. As for Sullivan-Okaw Valley/Bethany, they will venture away from home to square off against Tri-County [Kansas/Shiloh/Oakland] at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Sullivan-Okaw Valley/Bethany is facing Tri-County [Kansas/Shiloh/Oakland] at the right time seeing as Tri-County [Kansas/Shiloh/Oakland] is stuck on a five-game losing streak.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
