For a player whose goal ended a 12-year dynasty, defender James Sunog had little to say after a historic final that saw University of Santo Tomas dethrone Far Eastern University-Diliman and claim the gold medal in the UAAP Season 87 Boys’ High School Football Tournament.
The 17-year-old left-back from Valencia City, Bukidnon, delivered the decisive strike in the 68th minute. He also played a crucial role in a Junior Golden Booters defense that held firm as if their lives depended on it until the final whistle.
After the grueling match, bruised and battered from the hard-fought final, Sunog was too modest to take full credit for shattering the Baby Tamaraws’ dynasty with a single, unforgettable goal.
“Masaya po pero mas masaya po na nakuha namin yung gold at champion po,” he said. “Hindi ako makapaniwala kasi yung momentum ng FEU-D po, malakas po at hindi basta-basta na kalaban yung FEU-D.
“Nablangko ko rin sa utak ko na pagsipa ko, pasok po.”
What UST accomplished will be remembered for years to come.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Not only did the Junior Golden Booters redeem themselves after falling short in the Season 86 final, but they also achieved what powerhouse programs like De La Salle Zobel and National University-Nazareth School had failed to do in recent seasons — defeating FEU-D in the final.
Now, the landscape has shifted. When Season 88 arrives, it will be UST carrying the title of defending champions, with every team gunning for them — no longer the Baby Tamaraws.
Yet, despite the championship still fresh in his hands, Sunog is already looking ahead to defending the crown in España.
“Mas gutom kami i-continue yung streak,” said the second-year defender.
Sunog’s journey is a testament to perseverance. From being a hopeful tryout participant who traveled to Manila, anxiously awaiting an email from UST coach Marjo Allado confirming he made the team, to standing as a UAAP champion, his trajectory is nothing short of inspiring.
As he looked at the battle scars earned from taking on the mighty Baby Tamaraws, he had no regrets. His words were few, but his match-winning goal spoke volumes — ending FEU-D’s bid for a 13th straight championship and a historic fourth UAAP treble while igniting UST’s reign at the summit of high school football.
“Worth it basta champion,” he said.
