A Playoff Run Fueled by Grit
The D'Evelyn Jaguars have turned a pair of nail‑biting victories into a ticket to the 3A state championship, a feat that seemed unlikely just weeks ago.
In the semifinals they edged The Classical Academy 7‑6, a game that swung on a late rally sparked by Jack Meiser’s run‑scoring single and a timely hit from Darian Valdez‑Berriel that brought home Cameron Holthaus. The following night they exploded for 12 runs against Eaton, highlighted by Cameron Holthaus’s two‑RBI triple in the fourth and Jacob Sed’s two‑run homer in the fifth, while starter Kevin Feldon delivered 5 ⅔ solid innings before hitting his pitch limit.
Coach Dan Porreco has been quick to applaud the squad’s composure under pressure, noting that the team’s belief is as tangible as the ritual they perform — touching a ball in the dugout before each game — a small gesture that underscores their collective confidence.
Their next test will be a showdown against University, the heavy favorite and a program chasing its first championship since 2019. The Jaguars know they will need to tame a potent pitching staff, but they intend to lean on the same cohesion that carried them past Eaton and The Classical Academy.
The championship game will be played at Butch Butler Stadium in Greeley, Colorado, a venue that has witnessed many of the team’s memorable moments this season. With a blend of clutch hitting, disciplined pitching and an unshakable belief in each other, D'Evelyn hopes to rewrite its own history and bring a first state title to the school.