It’s become a journey few kids ever experience …

When the Davis American 10-11 tournament team won the Little League District 64 title earlier this month, it marked the second consecutive area championship for seven local youngsters.

Last summer, Josh Catacutan, Mikey Finerty, Ethan Ramos, Cade Sanders, Iain Smith, Mark Studer and Jack Walsh were participants when coach Jessie Catacutan’s 9-10 All-Stars edged Dixon, 7-6, in an extra-inning thriller — earning that division’s district banner.

“These are the moments where (the kids) just have to enjoy the journey,” Jessie Catacutan — again the team’s manager — told The Enterprise. “The winning is great, obviously, but seeing the kids and families happy with pleasant memories is even better.

“(While we’re winning) is actually a good time to educate kids about enjoying the journey and each other and not so much focus on winning. … That won’t always happen.”

In capturing the 2013 district crown with an 11-6 victory over Vacaville Central on July 2 in Woodland, DALL learned from its previous day’s mistakes in a lopsided loss to that same Central squad.

That win meant Davis meets District 35 champ Petaluma on Friday (5:30 p.m.) in Mill Valley. The game opens the Section 1, double-elimination tourney.

Catacutan liked what he saw in the resilience of his kids — bouncing back from a six-error first inning in that 18-7 semifinal loss.

“For the most part, (our key) is that we played pretty good defense,” Catacutan said with a laugh. “You know, we probably had twice as many errors in that 108-degree game than we did in the rest of the games.”

Now, each of the five teams in the section gathering are battle-tested. What, if anything, will the locals work on in an attempt to advance yet again?

“We’ll focus on what they do well,” the manager explains. “We’ve moved the pitching screen up closer to get the players ready for faster pitching. Also, we’ll focus on defense and bunt coverage. We expect closer games.”

In addition to the seven veterans from last year’s 9-10 juggernaut, Nate Barclift, Matoshi Bulkeley, Jack Carsel, Kooper Kijanka and Roland Watts have all been contributors to this summer’s magical postseason.

Finerty and Ramos have turned in superlative mound appearances in the playoffs while Smith has been a mainstay behind the plate. Bulkeley, Walsh, Smith, the younger Catacutan and Finerty “have kind of been leading us at the plate,” said the elder Catacutan, adding that Carsel is a play-anywhere athlete who has been a good clutch hitter.

“Official” assistant coaches are Pete Ramos and David Watts, but Catacutan tips his cap to the work of Mike Finerty and Brian Kijanka outside the dugout.

“Last year’s team knew each other a little more because of travel ball,” Catacutan continued. “But to do it two years in a row is kind of rare, and I’m appreciative of that. The support of the parents has been very meaningful. It’s great to have that kind of support.”

Catacutan and his wife Kim have two kids: Josh, 11, and softball maven Emma, 9.

The director of budget and finance for the University of California’s Office of the President, Catacutan says his bosses have “been very understanding and generous” as the coach has been hustling back and forth to Oakland all season long.

A train ride west at 5:45 a.m., then getting back to Davis in time for an evening practice or game has been the norm during the Catacutan’s recent springs and summers.

“This life? I wouldn’t change anything about it.”

Notes: The Catacutans have lived in Davis for six years. Jessie was born in the Philippines, but moved to Salinas at age 8. He was a three-sport standout in high school. … Directions to Strawberry Field (Mill Valley): Travel I-80 west to Highway 37 (Vallejo). Go west to U.S. 101. Head south on 101 to the Tiburon Boulevard exit and go east. Turn right on Strawberry Drive. Continue south to Strawberry Red Center — the parking lot is across street from fields. Travel time is estimated at 90 minutes. … Should Davis win, it will play District 3 on Saturday at 2 p.m. A loss means DALL plays the loser of the Districts 4-53 game on Sunday at 11 a.m. … From the In Perspective Dept.: There was no Tuesday practice for Davis American. Cade Sanders had a birthday party.

— Reach Bruce Gallaudet at [email protected] or 530-747-8047.

0710LeagueW

Davis American 10-11 player Ethan Ramos attempts to tag a sliding Mark Studer while Kooper Kijanka, left, backs the play up at a recent workout. The District 64 champions are preparing for the Section 1 tournament, which begins Friday in Mill Valley. Fred Gladdis/Enterprise photo

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