When defender James Maxdel Torres powered a header into the net deep in stoppage time — 90+3’ on April 10 — to clinch the UAAP Season 88 High School Football crown for Far Eastern University–Diliman, it was more than just a title-winning moment.
It was the culmination of a long road back from heartbreak, injury, and an unfinished season that once forced him to watch from the sidelines.
The prospect from Negros Oriental, Torres suffered an ACL tear last season that ruled him out of the finals, as University of Santo Tomas snatched the championship away from FEU-D.
This time, however, the story flipped.
Not only did the Baby Tamaraws reclaim the crown at the UP Diliman Football Stadium, but they also secured their 13th championship in the division.
“Last season, galing din po ako [sa] ACL; na-miss out ko yung final,” said the 19-year-old graduating senior.
“Pinagsikapan ko na makalaro talaga para maibalik yung korona. Inisip ko na makabalik ako nang mas maaga para maibalik yung championship.”
Calling it a perfect season for the Baby Tamaraws would overlook the adversity that defined their redemption arc. FEU-D stumbled early with a first-round loss to UST on a late goal, then settled for a draw against De La Salle Zobel in the second round — results that briefly exposed cracks in a team that would later find its resolve when it mattered most.
Those same vulnerabilities showed in the final. FEU-D started sluggishly and conceded Roy Panunciar Jr.’s 44th-minute strike, giving UST a dream lead heading into halftime. The Junior Golden Booters looked in control, poised to defend it deep into the match.
But after the break, the Baby Tamaraws returned with renewed urgency, as if the season’s setbacks had been stored as fuel for a moment exactly like this. The pressure mounted until substitute Sambher Nash Abrenica struck the equalizer in the 85th minute, shifting the momentum entirely.
In hindsight, the warning signs had already appeared for UST. What followed was the final blow: Torres rising to bury the dramatic winner in stoppage time.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Sobrang saya, sobrang ‘di po kami makapaniwala kasi iba yung mga pinagdaanan — puro ups and downs,” said Torres.
“Meron kaming mga talo this season pero, siyempre, may tiwala pa rin kami sa mga coaches namin. Tiwala kami sa mga tactics ni Coach Jake at ni Coach Paulo. Siyempre, malaki yung tiwala na makukuha namin ‘yun sa tiwala ng Panginoon at sa paniniwala ng coaches.”
When the final whistle sounded, FEU-Diliman erupted in celebration at the UP Diliman Football Stadium. The Baby Tamaraws had not only reclaimed the championship — they had also avenged last season’s heartbreak against the same opponent, winning two of the last three finals meetings between the programs.
For Torres, the moment capped off his high school journey in fitting fashion. The Bayawan City East Central School alumnus was later named UAAP Season 88 Most Valuable Player, a recognition that sealed his return from injury with the highest honor.
“As a graduating player, sobrang saya kasi nakaranas ako ng mag-gold sa FEU. Sobrang may paraan ang Panginoon; nag-extend lang ako ngayon. Tiwala lang talaga kami sa teammates namin,” said Torres.
“Nung Holy Week, wala kaming pahinga kasi pinapatakbo kami ng mga coaches namin ng 5:00 AM every day. Para sa mga kuya, nag-promise ako last year na makukuha ko yung championship kahit ‘di ko sila makalaro sa final kasi grumaduate na sila.”
With his high school chapter now closed, what comes next remains undecided. But for Torres, one thing is certain — home will still have a strong pull.
“Undecided pa rin ako, pero siyempre, ang puso ko nasa FEU pa rin,” he closed.
