Still haunted by the way last season ended, Jerriemy Biton is wasting no time in making a statement.
Fueled by the heartbreak of Far Eastern University-Diliman’s stunning Finals loss a year ago, the Baby Tamaraws’ talismanic striker has set the tone early, making it clear that this group has unfinished business in the UAAP Season 88 Boys’ Football Tournament.
Through both his play and his voice, Biton has embodied a team determined to reclaim what slipped away.
The Season 87 Rookie of the Year, Best Striker, and Golden Boot winner opened his sophomore campaign in emphatic fashion, firing a brace to power FEU-D to a dominant 5-0 rout of debutant Adamson University last Saturday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
As the leader up front, the 17-year-old from Negros has embraced the responsibility of channeling the Baby Tamaraws’ hunger after watching the crown slip from their grasp at the hands of the UST Junior Golden Booters last year.
“Ako yung pinaka-gutom na player namin this season,” said Biton.
“Kailangan namin mag-stay consistent, and di kami pwede magpakumpyansa this season.”
For a team with championship aspirations, the importance of a strong start cannot be overstated — and FEU-D made sure there were no early stumbles.
Facing the Soaring Falcons in their UAAP debut, the Baby Tamaraws imposed their will from the opening whistle, building a two-goal lead by halftime before pouring in three more in the second half to seal a convincing win.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
While sterner challenges loom, FEU-D’s sharp, cohesive display against Adamson reflected the deep chemistry that has long been the backbone of the squad.
“Hanggang ngayon maganda yung samahan namin inside and outside sa field,” said Biton. “As a team, nag-bo-bonding pa rin kami.”
Biton also made sure to credit the architect of the Baby Tamaraws’ redemption push: head coach Jake Morallo.
It was a banner weekend for Morallo, who also handles the FEU men’s collegiate side. After steering the Baby Tamaraws to their opening-day victory on Saturday, he guided the senior Tamaraws into the Final Four just a day later.
With Morallo at the helm, Biton believes the former United Football League standout has the tactical acumen to finally lead FEU-D all the way.
“Si Coach Jake, magaling mag-analyze ng ibang team sa’min; magaling magbasa ng play ng ibang team,” said the 5-foot-9 forward.
Despite the early momentum, Biton knows the road ahead remains long and demanding. The Baby Tamaraws still have 11 matches to navigate before even reaching the Final Four, now made tougher by the introduction of the twice-to-beat format in the high school division.
With the grind just beginning, the senior high school student stressed the importance of staying grounded and fully committed to the process.
“Try pa rin namin yung best namin, strong naman kami as a team,” he said.
” Sa mga next games, ‘wag maging kumpyansa, magpatuloy sa hard work, stay consistent at gawin lahat ng utos ng coach.”
