NWF Wins NJCAA South Atlantic District Championship and Punches Ticket to NJCAA World Series in Grand Junction

TAMPA, Fla. — For the first time since 2015, the Raiders are heading to Grand Junction after winning the NJCAA South Atlantic District Championship with a 10-3 victory over Chipola. 

Jaquae Stewart's impressive performance at the plate and Brock Tappers dominant outing on the mound helped propel the Raiders to victory over the Indians for the second straight night. Stewart drove in six runs on three hits, including a two RBI double in the sixth inning, and a three run home run in the eighth. Tapper was electric on the mound, tossing a complete game (nine-innings), allowing three runs (two earned), three hits, while striking out eight Indians to earn the win.

The Raiders got on the board first thanks to Stewart's single in the opening inning, putting Northwest Florida on the scoreboard early. The Indians responded with a sacrifice fly by Espinal, leveling the game at one in the top of the third. However, the Raiders surged ahead with a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the third after Cade Sadler and Kendrey Maduro each singled, bringing in a run. 

Northwest Florida tacked on three more runs in the sixth inning following a Chase Williams single to first base, diving home Qrey Lott, and Stewarts three-run home run to right field, opening the game up to 10-3 in favor of the Raiders. Brock Tapper shut the door on the Indians in the ninth, striking out the side to seal the victory and the Championship., 

Northwest Florida State amassed an impressive 16 hits in the game, with Chase Williams and Stewart leading the charge with three hits each. Qrey Lott, Sadler, Colby Jones, and Maduro also contributed multiple hits. Williams showcased his speed with two stolen bases.

Following the game, Tapper, Stewart, Jones, Lott, Williams and Alex Walsh were all named to the FCSAA All-Tournament team with Tapper earning tournament Most Outstanding Pitcher, and Stewart earning Most Outstanding Player. In addition, Doug Martin was named the FCSAA Coach of the Year marking the second time in his career he's earned this illustrious honor.

This wins marks the first South Atlantic District Championship for the Raiders since 2015, securing their spot in the 2024 NJCAA World Series in Grand Junction, Colo. later this month. The last time the Raiders made it to Colorado, they came home with the National Championship after going 5-1 in the tournament. The Raiders will now sit patiently and see what seed they draw heading into the tournament. Heading into the week, Northwest Florida was ranked fifth in the NJCAA rankings and have been inside the top-20 the entire year.