In the grander scheme of things, Saturday’s UAAP Season 87 Boys’ High School Tournament final between defending champion Far Eastern University-Diliman and challenger University of Santo Tomas is just another match on the calendar.
However, for Baby Tamaraws winger Jacob Keleghan and UST midfielder Argos Alingalan, this game is more than just a title clash — it’s a pivotal moment in their young careers, a stepping stone toward making a name for themselves in local football and, perhaps, on the international stage.
Last weekend, Keleghan delivered the crucial assist to teammate Jerriemy Biton, who netted the winning goal in FEU-D’s narrow 1-0 victory over PAREF Southridge.
Meanwhile, Alingalan’s 71st-minute strike propelled UST past De La Salle Zobel in a 2-1 triumph.
“Me and Biton, we always talk before the game. He always tells me to just give him an assist or a cross. It builds chemistry, so yeah, I believe we have pretty good chemistry,” Keleghan shared.
“I know we won, and we’re happy, but as our coaches said, we could have done way better. Our performance earlier wasn’t enough.”
“Unang-una, thank you po sa Panginoon,” said Alingalan.
“Binigyan niya po kami ng lakas sa laro na ito. Hindi ko po ine-expect (maka-score). Akala ko hindi ulit papasa ng teammate ko pero pinasa niya (Joshua Balliner). Sobrang thankful talaga ako. Thankful na naging part po ako sa score ng UST.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
The stakes are especially high for the Baby Tamaraws. They are not only defending their title but also aiming for their 13th consecutive championship — one step away from completing FEU’s fourth treble in history.
For Keleghan, the Filipino-Irish standout who was named Season 86 Rookie of the Year, the pressure is something he and his teammates can handle. Having been in this position before, they trust their experience to carry them through.
“Well, if you ask about pressure — not really,” Keleghan said confidently.
“I’m confident in my teammates, in myself too, and especially in my coaches. They’re great coaches, and they’re going to make us focus. We’re going to keep working hard. We’re going to try to get the 13-peat.”
On the other hand, UST is chasing history.
The Junior Golden Booters have never won a UAAP boys’ football title and fell short against FEU-D last season, losing 3-0 in the final.
This year, they believe they have a real shot at redemption.
UST hopes that the third time will be the charm after dropping both elimination-round encounters against the Baby Tamaraws.
With a championship within reach, they are ready to leave everything on the pitch for more than 90 minutes of intense action.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Kailangan namin maghanda kase iba yun eh—championship na yun, pinaghirapan na namin yun,” said Alingalan. “Kailangan namin manalo kase marami sa amin last dance na o ga-graduate na next year. Gusto namin na mga rookie mag-champion para sa kanila.
“Parang speechless ako kase magiging history yun.”
After 32 matches, only one team will emerge as the last school standing. Keleghan, Alingalan, and their teammates believe destiny is on their side. But when the final whistle blows, who will prevail — the dynasty-chasing Baby Tamaraws or the history-seeking Junior Golden Booters?
“I’m going to, for sure, give it 101%,” said Keleghan.
“I’m going to trust my teammates. It’s a big honor to be part of a championship, and since I’m starting, it means even more.”
“If maka-champion kami, parang iiyak ako,” said Alingalan.
“Kasi rookie ako at parang nakasali na ako sa history. Dati sa TV ko lang napapanood ang UAAP, sabi ko sana makapunta din ako at makalaro ako sa UAAP.”
