CORTEZ –They might as well get used to it.
While most underclassmen may not have fully experienced the varsity-level rivalry between the Demons and Panthers over the past decade, their 2025 encounters provided an intense introduction. Both Durango and Montezuma-Cortez featured upperclassmen starters for the Panthers’ home finale, but with rosters stacked with Class of ’28 standouts, the rivalry appears poised to continue for years to come.
On Aug. 25, the Demons showcased the promise of the season with a 9-5 come-from-behind win – bolstering Durango’s best start since 2017. Their Tuesday afternoon rematch at Englehart Field in Cortez felt like déjà vu.
Head coach Sara Clair and her Demons (6-3) fell behind early before a late surge in the final two innings secured a 10-5 win.
The Panthers (2-11) blanked the Demons in four of their first five turns at bat behind strong pitching from junior Jayden White. Meanwhile, sophomore Ava Hawkins drove in one of two Panther runs in the second inning with an RBI groundout after the Panthers loaded the bases.
Durango responded with a pair of big hits in the third to take a 3-2 lead, as junior Alexis Wood and sophomores Abigail Gordon and Kaitlyn Downey peppered the outfield wall with extra-base hits as part of a 10-hit afternoon for Clair’s team.
“We faced 60-plus MPH pitching in Grand Junction over the weekend,” said Clair. “So you could tell that our girls were out in front a bit to start.”
The Panthers tied the game with a run in the fourth, then reclaimed the lead with two more in the fifth, as sophomore Tinley Philpott scored twice as a pinch runner.
That’s when the Durango bats took over. The Demons capitalized on timely hitting, with junior Brooke Casias scoring three times and junior Marcela Jimenez and senior Alexa Capitan driving in key runs during a massive rally. Five runs in the top of the seventh sealed the win, as Durango leaned on senior ace Jenna Glueck to close the door in the circle.
“While we didn’t have our bats today, we capitalized when we needed,” Clair said. “They kept grinding all the way to the end – I’m proud of our girls and their will to win.”
Durango pitching allowed just four hits and three walks, but M-CHS continued to show the grit that helped them hang tough against larger schools in Berthoud over the weekend. First-year head coach Anthony Mestas said he appreciates the Panthers’ approach at the plate and in the circle.
“They’re growing – and they’re starting to get the speed of playing varsity,” Mestas said. “They’re going to the plate with a plan and doing their best to put the ball in play.”
Both White and classmate Raegan Veach collected hits, and their steady presence on and off the field is something Mestas and his coaching staff have leaned on.
“We’re using their leadership to help develop these girls,” Mestas said. “Jayden pitched a phenomenal game today – she helps keep the team’s energy up, and Raegan is showing them where they need to go with the ball.”
The Demons improved their slim record advantage against their nearest rival to 12-10-1 over the past 11 years, with Durango sweeping the season series for the second straight year.
“It doesn’t matter what each team’s record is, this is always going to be a good game,” Clair added.
With plenty more rivalry games to come, Mestas and his Panthers know they have a bright future ahead.
“We’re looking forward to a few more years with this group – they’re developing into our culture and philosophy,” the M-CHS head coach said.
Durango will enjoy an extended break before returning to the field against Battle Mountain on Friday, Sept. 19, while the Panthers travel to Basalt for a doubleheader with the Longhorns on Saturday, Sept. 13.
