The spirited booters of the University of the Philippines (UP) High School Cebu made their debut as a football varsity team a memorable one.
In a performance that is truly one for the books, the Fighting Maroons prevailed over the Azkals Development Academy (ADA) Cebu, 2-0, via penalty shootout in the thrilling finals to secure the school’s first ever championship crown in the 16 Under division of the 4th City of Naga Football Festival recently.
Playing cool under heavy pressure, Ceaje Bungcaras and Jude Earl Jurado delivered the decisive goals that powered UP High Cebu to a historic title.
Before reaching the finals, UP High performed remarkably well in the elimination round, booting out Cebu United and Naga City-B with three key goals from Qyel Ino Sollano and one from Bungcaras. Sollano knocked in another goal against Naga City-A in the semifinals, propelling the team to the gold-medal match which they eventually won.
‘This win is very special and historic for us. For the first time in UP High School history, our football team has brought home a championship trophy. What makes it even more meaningful is that these students are the very first group to form our football varsity team,’ said UP High School Cebu head coach Ricor Marfil.
The team was only formed last August, with the student-athletes training together for just two months before entering the tournament.
‘In that short span, they learned to trust one another, to fight for each other, and to balance the heavy demands of academics with the discipline of football training. To see them achieve this milestone fills us with so much pride,’ Marfil continued.
He credited the team’s success to their grit and values: ‘It was their character, effort, and heart that made the difference in every practice and every match.’
The 11-strong Fighting Maroons of the UP High School Cebu Football Team also include Gyle Veloso, Matthew Jun Baldoza and Val Andri Goles from Grade 7 and Cyan Manuel Villaflor, Vince Christopher Rodil, Marvin Roy Cervantes, John Martin Jaluague, and Steve Andrei Redondo from Grade 11.
The ground-breaking feat marks the rise of UP High School Cebu in grassroots football and highlights the school’s growing support for athletics alongside academic excellence.