Milo U-18 schools football heats up as group stage concludes

By Azizi Christiani

The final round of group-stage matches in the 11th Annual Milo U-18 Schools Football tournament delivered intense action as teams battled for a place in the knockout rounds.

With goals flowing, teams fought not only for victory, but also for survival in the competition, as the stakes grew higher with every passing minute.

At the Education Ground on last Saturday, South Ruimveldt Secondary received a walkover against Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary, as their opponents were unable to field a team.

The three points were crucial for South Ruimveldt, who continued their campaign toward the knockout rounds.

Dolphin Secondary demonstrated their attacking prowess, cruising to a 4-0 victory over President’s College.

The goals came from Kevin Bunton (15’), Jomal Williams (55’), Brian Brower (57’), and Colin Frank-David (65’), ensuring Dolphin secured a dominant win and moved closer to securing their place in the next phase.

Later on the same field, Waramuri Secondary put on a dominant performance, defeating New Amsterdam Secondary 5-1.

Waramuri surged ahead with goals from Denzell Abrams (20’), Ricardo Lewis (21’), Shakeel Marks (37’), Orwin Abrams (40), and Dwayne Boyal (45’), while Kymani Sandy (55’) scored the lone goal for New Amsterdam in a losing effort.

At Queen’s College Ground, Yarrowkabra Secondary made light work of Tutorial High, registering a comfortable 4-0 win.

Leroy Evans (15’, 58’) bagged a brace, and Mekaiya Daniels (25’) and Nicholi Morris (59’) also got on the score sheet, putting Tutorial to the sword.

Also on the QC field, Abram Zuil Secondary faced West Ruimveldt Secondary in a closely contested match.

Donovan Welcome’s (5’) early goal put West Ruimveldt in front, but Omar Kendall’s (59’) equalizer ensured a 1-1 draw.

While Abram Zuil fought hard for the win, they had to wait for the results of other matches to determine their fate in the tournament.

In the final match of the day, New Central High defeated Brickdam Secondary 2-1.

Trevor Gordon (19’) and Caedon Whyte (56’) scored for New Central, while Xavier Lawrence (70+1’) pulled one back for Brickdam in stoppage time, but it wasn’t enough to secure a comeback.

On Sunday, Chase’s Academic Foundation showcased their firepower in an 11-0 demolition of Three Miles Secondary.

Bryan Wharton was the star of the show, scoring seven goals (18’, 28’, 29’, 55’, 57’, 60’, 65’) to lead his team to an emphatic victory. Isaiah Ifill (6’, 25’), Mark Glasgow (47’), and Jaden Christian (68’) rounded out the scoring.

St. John’s College also enjoyed success, securing a 1-0 win over Westminster Secondary.

A second-half goal from Jasiah Need (65’) was enough to give St. John’s the victory, keeping them in the hunt for the knockout rounds.

Later, Santa Rosa Secondary triumphed over Charlestown Secondary 5-1, with goals from Dane Phillips (13’), Randy Chappelle (48’), Rupee Norton (65’), Daren Williams (66’), and Keshan Campbell (68’). Colwin Kissoon (33’) scored the only goal for Charlestown.

Finally, Hope Secondary delivered a commanding performance, defeating West Demerara Secondary 5-0.

Kenrick Pellew (12’), Yohance King (36’), Asaiah Browne (37’), Damario Webb (53’), and Jayden Nicholas (68’) all got on the scoresheet, securing a dominant victory for Hope.