This isn’t just another game. This is playoff baseball—and your Acalanes Dons are charging in with fire, focus, and nothing to lose. After a season of walk-off wins, clutch hits, high-wire finishes, and gritty, grind-it-out team play, the Dons have arrived exactly where they belong: the North Coast Section (NCS) Division 2 playoffs.
It all goes down Tuesday at 4 p.m. on home turf at Ken Souza Field at Acalanes, against the visiting Ukiah Wildcats—a team making the long trek south on Highway 101, departing around 12:30 p.m., bringing with them 25 players, including five seniors, a pack of juniors, and one lone sophomore. They’ll roll in ready. But they’re stepping onto our turf. And these Dons are built for this moment.
The Dons have been laser-focused since day one. They’re not just swinging for wins—they’re swinging for each other, for the blue and white, and for every fan in the stands ready to believe in something bigger than a scoreline.
DONS AT THE PLATE: Bats Hot, Eyes Locked, Game On
At the plate? We’re a problem for the Wildcats—a big one. Seniors Keegan Goddard and David Gonzales don’t just hit—they detonate. Nerves of steel, thunder in their bats, and a flair for the clutch? They’re built for baseball and want to run the NCS show. So Do It! Sophomores Tyler Winkles and Drew Asadorian are stars at the plate with jet fuel in their swing, fearless, and dangerous. And when RB-Isaac Copen (Junior) steps into the box with that locked-in stare? Hold your breath. He’s a ticking time bomb—explosive, unpredictable, and one swing away from blowing the game wide open. All Dons at the plate know what’s on the line—they’ve got to step up to stay in it and win it. And with this lineup? Fireworks are never far behind. Do it Dons Do It!
SPEED. SMARTS. SWAGGER.
Baserunning gets runs. Winkles, Asadorian, and Gonzo don’t just run—they vanish. They lead the team in steals. They steal, stretch, and scramble like it’s a heist, and they do it with swagger. And don’t sleep on the secret weapons: Ben Pecci and Zach Burielli—our pinch-running pirates. (Let’s hope the Ukiah coach isn’t reading this.) Get them on base, and it’s instant mayhem. One blink, one lazy glance, and boom—they’re gone.
DEFENSE: Gloves Up and Game Over
The outfield? Butner, Keegs, and Gonzo. No, it’s not a law firm—but out there, they make the rules. And rule number one? Nothing drops. It’s a highlight reel waiting to happen—every catch Instagram-worthy, every play worthy of a rewind. They track down balls with swagger and shut down rallies with style. Firm hands. Fierce reads. They don’t just catch the ball—they own the outfield.
Defensively, the Dons are a wall. Brick by brick. Position by position. Whether it’s double plays turned like clockwork or backhand picks that make jaws drop, this crew gets it done. Flashy gloves? Check. Game-changing instincts? Absolutely. Range that erases base hits? Count on it. You’ll hear it before you see it—the pop of the mitt, the collective inhale from the stands, and then… the roar. (And yes, Ukiah coach—we really hope you’re reading this now. Fear the Blue. )
On the mound? It’s Branson Smith on Wednesday, starting on the hill. Junior ace. Ice water in his veins. Calm under pressure, lethal in the zone. When he’s dealing, he’s a surgeon—mixing speeds, hitting corners, and freezing bats. Built for big moments. Designed for playoff fire. ‘B’ on your toes Wildcats.
All In. And that’s not just a slogan—it’s a mindset.
All In on hitting.
All In on baserunning.
All In and (you are OUT) on defense.
All In the dugout banter. LOOOOVE IT!
All In for Grandma in the stands. Heck yes!
All In for students in the outfield. LOUD and PROUD! Duh!
Everyone’s got their All In. From the players on the field to the parents in the stands, to the community backing every pitch, we’re all in this together. This isn’t just a team—it’s a movement. So whether you’re shouting from the bleachers, high-fiving at home plate, or just making sure the scoreboard works, and you’ve got a role to play too- Be there! This is Dons baseball, and we’re all going All In—because when we’re all in, there’s nothing we can’t do.
Alright, Acalanes—school’s almost out, but we’re just getting started. It’s your Dons, playing for you, for the team, and NCS ready!
Game Details:
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Acalanes High School
Tickets: Don’t wait—grab yours now at www.gofan.co
Dress Code: Blue. All blue. All Blue Face-why not? All in-right?!!
This is one of your last chances to show up and show out this school year! Sports Boosters are handing out limited tickets to students via Instagram—keep an eye on the story for your shot to grab one! Do it!
Be loud. Be proud. Be BLUE!