The booters from Pontevedra, Negros Occidental, scored the most comprehensive victory over the weekend, while pre-tournament picks Celta De Victorias and Handumanan United as well as defending champion San Carlos City got their campaigns off to a winning start in the NOFA Under-15 and Under-17 Provincial Football Championships.

Getting six goals from Pontevedra National High School sophomore Jimuel Arriola, the Sylvia Manor Hotel-backed squad whitewashed host Bacolod City NHS, 12-0, to gain the early lead in Group B of the Under-17 tournament. Arriola rounded out the scoring in the 71st minute, after Tristram Namo and Henry Dioso contributed two goals each. Kevin Bonilla and Celmar Deduyo added a goal each.

Ma-ao edged Talisay, 1-0, to take the full three points, but the Bago City-based booters are behind Pontevedra on goal difference.

Celta De Victorias, represented by Don Bosco Technical Institute players, registered a win each in the Under-15 and Under-17 tournaments.

Its performance was matched by defending double champion San Carlos City, which blanked Cadiz, 3-0, to begin its Under-17 title defense at the BCNHS grounds.

Joining San Carlos on top of Group A was Handumanan United, represented by players who are products of the Kasibulan Football Program. Handumanan crushed Negros Occidental High School, 3-0.

Victorias also scored a similar 3-0 win over La Consolacion School-Gardenville in Group C of the Under-17 category. Jointly pacing the group is Kabankalan, which stunned Domingo Lacson National High School, 5-2.

In Group D, Bago outplayed Escalante, 5-1, to grab the temporary lead. St. Michael Academy, also of Pontevedra, also made its presence felt by scoring a 4-1 victory over NOPSSCEA champion University of St. La Salle.

Don Bosco put eight goals past Bago for the most convincing triumph in the Under-15 category at the Carlos Hilado Memorial State College pitch.

The Victorias booters, whose 8-1 win allowed them to seize top spot in Group A, appears to be the potent threat to San Carlos' reign.

Still, San Carlos showed its class in beating Andres Bonifacio Elementary School, 4-0, but remained in second behind Victorias on goal difference.

Handumanan United defeated La Salle, 7-1, for the solo lead in Group B, after University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos and Valladolid played to a 2-all draw.

In Group C, Minuluan Talisay FC registered a 5-1 win over Cadiz, while La Carlota overwhelmed Ma-ao, 5-2.

NOHS and St. Benilde School encountered stiff resistance before coming up with early victories in Group D. St. Benilde fought back from a goal down to beat West Negros College, 2-1, while NOHS blanked BCNHS, 2-0.

Warren Concepcion, deputy secretary-general of the NOFA, yesterday said their organization is elated with the turnout in this year's tournament. *CPT

back to top

Victorias, USLS first to finals
Big win for Pontevedra; Favorites overwhelm foes
Valiant cagers snatch Game 1