Giant killers Kemps Hill look to take down Cornwall
WHEN the second round of the ISSA WATA daCosta Cup kicks off on Saturday, football lovers will be thrilled to witness 16 matches, including a doubleheader.
In the west, the doubleheader will feature must-see matchups at the Montego Bay Sports Complex in Catherine Hall.
The day will start with a sweet-treat of Group Two's 11-time champions Rusea's High battling against Maggotty High at 3 p.m., while Group One's 12-time champions Cornwall College face giant slayers Kemps Hill High at 5:15 p.m.
Cornwall, a giant in this league, cruised to the second round in Zone A unbeaten.
The Clarendon-based Kemps Hill have earned even more respect when they were the David who took down Goliaths Garvey Maceo and Glenmuir last week.
Finishing third in Zone I like last season, Kemps Hill have once again emerged as the season's surprise package.
BIG TASK
Kiegon Mitchell, the second-year head coach of Kemps Hill, said the focus is on maintaining the momentum and not underestimating the opponent.
"When they hear Cornwall they might think, 'Oh, that's another big task'. We played two of the favourites to win and we beat them 1-0. I guess we have to rock with that momentum and know we can get a good result from the Cornwall game as well," said Mitchell.
In their inter-zone encounter against Cornwall last season, the game ended in a 1-1 draw.
Still fresh in their minds, Kemps Hill are optimistic this time that they will achieve something great, hopefully three points on Cornwall's turf.
"We still have some players with injuries so we are trying to get them patched up and ready. Once we are ready, it should be a very competitive game," Mitchell said.
Mitchell also acknowledged the challenge of facing Cornwall, noting the difficulty of travelling and staying focused. He mentioned that not knowing much about Cornwall, they are still trying to find out information.
HIGH SPIRITS
Meanwhile, Cornwall College, with the most daCosta Cup titles, came into the season reminding folks who they are.
In high spirits, the Hector Wright-coached Cornwall is a young team determined to ensure a better outcome this season.
"This is their second year as a unit and for these players the sky is always the limit," Wright said.
"This is a young team that dislikes losing so I am pretty sure they will do whatever to ensure they don't get the same result like last year," Wright said, noting that the team has been working hard from the under-14 level.
"The mood among the players is confident. The guys just have to reapply themselves based on what happened last season. It is a physical team, so once we can withstand that physicality of the game we will deal with the other part of it," added Wright.
EXCITED
Having missed the second round for the last five seasons, Maggoty, who edged their way in, is excited for the opportunity, according to assistant coach Craig Thomas.
"The boys are really happy because for the past couple years we have been playing excellently and now that the hard work has paid off, they are ready," Thomas noted.
Maggotty has never won the title but they are looking forward to the challenge of a highly regarded Rusea's team, who are Zone B winners.
"Going up against Rusea's, they will consider us as underdogs. We are just here to stamp our class and showcase our talent. We have been playing some quality football for the past couple years, so that is what we plan to demonstrate on Saturday," added Thomas.