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Ocho Rios must beat STETHS to stay alive in daCosta Cup
December 02, 2025
With the round of 16 coming to a nail-biting close, Ocho Rios High School will put their season on the line today as they meet a strong St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) team in a must-win clash to secure a spot in the ISSA daCosta Cup quarterfinals.
The matchup is set to kick off at 3 p.m. at Drax Hall Sports Complex in St Ann, and is one of seven games on schedule.
Acknowledging the need for improvement, Veron Peterkin, coach of Ocho Rios, said the team is determined to perform better.
"We are used to the pressure, we are not running from it," said Peterkin.
"We have been here before and the mood in the camp has been positive. We are ready for the game, the team is confident and expecting to secure a win at home," added Peterkin.
After an ugly 4-2 defeat against giant killers Kemps Hill High on Saturday, Zone 2's Ocho Rios will look to rally in a must-win game.
Ben Francis KO champions STETHS, who have already advanced to the quarterfinals - after a 3-1 win over Old Harbour High - sit atop the group on six points. Ocho Rios are tied on three with Kemps Hill, with Ocho Rios ahead on goal difference.
Kemps Hill will need the leadership of Ricardo Dean to continue their momentum and take charge of a must-win game against an already eliminated Old Harbour High.
Goal difference will be a factor for who book their spot for the quarterfinals.
In the Zone 1, a top-of-the-table clash will feature Cornwall College hosting Christiana High at Cornwall College's playing field. Though both are qualified, many-time champions Cornwall will look to upset Christiana's unbeaten streak and come out as zone winners.
Cornwall are coming fresh off a class act with a 4-0 victory against William Knibb on Saturday. Both schools are tied on three points, with Cornwall leading by a goal difference.
The Manchester-based Christiana are no pushovers, as they have an impressive run this season. They will make things tough and try to secure the group winner's spot.
Already eliminated, Zone 4's The Manning's School and Manchester High will look to secure their first win in the round of 16.
Manchester sit third on a point, while Manning's are in last place without a point. Both have advanced to the quarterfinals of Ben Francis Cup KO, and will join William Knibb Memorial High, Clarendon College and Old Harbour.
