As new champion University of Santo Tomas was crowned at the end of the UAAP Season 87 Boys’ High School Football Tournament, the dethroned Far Eastern University-Diliman players and coaches stood solemnly, watching their rivals celebrate wildly on the pitch.
Not only was the opportunity to clinch a 13th straight title lost, but so too was the chance to complete a rare fourth football treble in UAAP and FEU history.
For Baby Tamaraws head coach Jake Morallo, it was crucial to acknowledge the deserving new champions—the Junior Golden Booters.
“Yung 13-peat sana, di basta-basta yun kunin kase nakikita natin nag i-i-step-up ‘yung ibang schools,” said Morallo. “Yun din ang gusto ng aming technical director na si Coach Vince Santos—na we’re hoping na ibang schools ay mag-step-up to compete.
“I think well-deserved sa panalo ang UST, and sa ibang schools naman, tuloy-tuloy lang.”
With FEU-Diliman’s historic reign now brought to an end, Morallo reflected on the challenges that unfolded prior to the final.
Among them was a significant injury to defender James Maxdel Torres, who suffered an ACL tear during the elimination round, as well as an untimely wave of illness that hit key players, including top-scoring rookie Jerriemy Biton.
The sting of a championship loss is an inevitable part of the sport.
After 12 straight seasons of glory, it was finally FEU-D’s turn to feel the heartbreak, as UST seized the spotlight and the sweet taste of triumph.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Ganun talaga ang football,” said Morallo. “Even if 12 straight championships ang nakuha, looking back (marami) din struggles. To be honest with you, di lahat nakakaalam na ano, andami nagkakasakit pa, I think two weeks before sa preparations sa finals. Andaming nagkakasakit na players.
“Again, may mga injuries kami. Malaking bagay sana si (defender) James (Torres), kaso na-ACL siya. So bilang staff namin, hindi lang basta-basta maglagay ng player para kung sino yung makakuha sa spot na yun. Sobrang challenge this year.”
With their Season 87 campaign coming to a close, the Baby Tamaraws now shift their focus from defending the crown to reclaiming it.
UST, the new kings of high school football, will now carry the target on their backs.
Like any team that has experienced a painful defeat, it’s back to the drawing board for FEU-Diliman.
Morallo admitted there were plenty of lessons to be learned from the final, especially regarding their struggles in breaking down the opposition’s defense.
“I think both teams played well in the first half,” said Morallo. “Medyo kailangan namin mag-adjust again most of the time. Ganun talaga ang tactics nila, they would just play low block, it’s for the first time na bumaba sila sa first half.
“Nahirapan kami mag-move forward sa bola. Medyo off yung midfield namin in the first half. Yung attacking wing namin, even with the midfield, di kami naka-penetrate nang maayos. In the second half, marami kaming chances—no, andami bola na ma-i-shoot na pero di pa rin nagawa ng team. I think di para sa amin talaga yung season na ito.”
