Defending champion Far Eastern University-Diliman and University of Santo Tomas will clash for the UAAP Season 87 Boys’ High School Football title in a rematch of last year’s final on Saturday at 5 p.m. at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
For the Baby Tamaraws, the stakes are high as they aim to clinch their 13th consecutive title and complete the school’s fourth treble in history.
Meanwhile, the Junior Golden Booters feel determined to claim their first division championship and deliver UST’s first football crown since Season 74, when the Lady Booters last lifted the trophy.
Following FEU-D’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Season 87’s Cinderella team, PAREF Southridge, in the semifinals, head coach Jake Morallo emphasized the importance of maintaining their winning mentality heading into the final.
The Baby Tamaraws, led by rookie forward Jerriemy Biton and his league-best nine goals, are riding an 11-game unbeaten streak this season. However, beyond UST, Morallo knows their biggest challenge is avoiding complacency.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“I think all top four teams deserve naman makapasok sa Final Four,” said Morallo. “So sa makakalaban namin sa finals, pagplanuhan namin ‘yung game, (at) pag-aaralan din namin ‘yung strengths and weaknesses ng kalaban namin by that time. Prepare lang talaga kami sa training. Kailangan pa rin namin ‘yung winning mentality.”
While FEU-D watched from the sidelines, UST secured the second final berth with a gritty 2-1 victory over De La Salle Zobel.
As the Junior Golden Booters celebrated their hard-earned win, the memories of last year’s 3-0 defeat were nowhere to be found.
Instead, hopes are soaring behind standout goalkeeper Edcel Lauron and Spain-bound midfielder Joshua Moleje, as they look to finally make this season their moment of triumph.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Siyempre i-ready namin ‘yung mindset ng players at ‘yung katawan ng players,” said UST assistant coach David Basa. “Nakakapagod din ‘yung game na ‘to, so one-week recovery ‘tong plano namin. Siguro pag-usapan namin kung paano namin paghahandaan ang FEU.”
Following the championship match, individual awards — including Most Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year, Golden Boot, Best Striker, Best Midfielder, Best Defender, and Best Goalkeeper — will be presented to the season’s top performers.
Additionally, the Fair Play Award will be given to the team with the fewest disciplinary infractions throughout Season 87.
