Denver East Holds Off Valor in Colorado Final

05.13.2025HS Boys

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Devner East held off Valor Rugby in a wild Rugby Colorado Boys HS final over the weekend.

Denver won the game 26-25 and yet never trailed in the game.

After falling behind Valor Christian continued to battle on and charged back to threaten late.

"We gave them a few opportunities to get back in the game, but ultimately, we were happy to hold our shape and secure a victory," said East Head Coach Zach Levek.

East's backline was solid with brothers Jack and Alex Dempsey at flyhalf and center, respectively. Jack Dempsey being a calming and poised presence, was also clutch with his goalkicking—three conversions helped East to the victory. Alex Dempsey played flyhalf last year bit slotted over to inside center. His hard running created opportunities for other players, and he was a ferocious tackler on defense.

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Connecting everything was scrumhalf Cole Conforti. Having playing pretty much every position in the backline he understands how those positions work. Moved to scrumhalf this year Conforti embraced the position and key to his performance was his speed to the breakdown, allowing East to play fast.

And charging on was No. 8 Julian Rowse, who plays outstanding defense and led the lineouts.

He produced a big play in the final, intercepting a pass and galloping in 60 meters to score.