For Adamson University, the wait for a milestone is over.
After narrowly falling to Claret School of Quezon City in their first-round encounter, the Baby Falcons finally tasted victory, cruising to a 4–1 triumph in the UAAP Season 88 High School Boys’ Football Tournament.
The standout performance came from Derrick, a San Vicente Elementary School product, who scored twice — once in the 71st minute and again in the 90th — capping a dominant showing. Captain Rian Solaiman and Josh Año also contributed, ensuring the university’s high school division claimed its first-ever UAAP football win.
“I’m really happy. We’ve been practicing for a long time for this moment,” Derrick said.
“My mindset was simple — I needed to score for the team. I wanted to help us get the three points.”
The victory was especially sweet considering Claret had edged Adamson 3–2 in their previous meeting on January 31.
Beyond bragging rights, the win keeps Adamson’s slim hopes of reaching the Final Four alive.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Derrick credited the team’s success to a shift in mindset.
After their initial loss to Claret, the Baby Falcons trained to be mentally and physically ready for a battle.
That preparation showed, even when Claret temporarily equalized in the 44th minute via Rolando Torres’ header. After halftime, Derrick and his teammates regained control and pulled away.
“In our first game against Claret, we were a bit kampante and thought we were just going to win it. This time, we knew they would fight back, so we had to match that,” he explained. “Now we know they’re going to play rough and push hard, so we trained specifically to be ready for that.”
Derrick’s journey to this historic moment began at age four.
Born in the Philippines to a half-American family, he was introduced to football by a family friend.
His development continued at the Kaya Football Club youth program before Adamson coach Darlton Digha recruited him.
The Cameroonian mentor expressed immense pride at the milestone.
“They made history for Adamson since they’re the first high school team to get three points,” Digha said.
With the historic win secured, the Baby Falcons quickly shift focus to their next challenge: defending champion University of Santo Tomas this Wednesday.
Only a win will keep Adamson’s semifinal dreams alive.
“We only have about two days to prepare between matches, so we have to train hard and be ready. We can’t afford to lose another game.”
