Barotac Nuevo Iloilo, April 21-22 – HEdCen won gold in the Barotac Cup in the province of Iloilo and are now considered the best in the Philippines for their age level.

The venue for Barotac Cup born 96-97 was in the National Training Center. The opening ceremonies were held in the Plaza.

Barotac is the football capital of the Philippines where most of the country’s national players originate. It is one of the few places in the Philippines where football is more popular than basketball.

The tournament format was 5-a-side, regulation time: 15 minutes, with quarterfinals.

HEDCEN 7, KALSADA BAYAN FC 0

In the 1st minute, Skie went one on one with the keeper but chose to shoot the ball from medium range. The keeper saved the ball and I told Skie to have more confidence so he could make better decisions.

Carranza did just that as he scored from a pass by Rvin on simple placing.

The second goal was by Rvin who penetrated the defense on fancy left to right dribbling.

Again, a play by the dynamic duo resulted in a pass from Rvin that reached a wide-open Skie for the 3rd goal.

Almazan scored HEdCen’s 4th point as he stole the ball from Kalsada’s defense and went all the way to the goal.

Angelo Frejas assisted Skie for the 5th goal.

Then, Frejas scored the 6th goal via rebound from a shot by Ackie from the back.

Miguel Almazan scored the last goal of the match as he received the final pass from Skie on 1-2 passing.

HEDCEN 2, SANTA BARBARA A 0

Miguel Almazan and Alen Adeva started as the defenders and Jason played keeper.

Rvin Resuma played right forward and Skie was the left forward.

Santa Barbara A players were very skilled and aggressive. HEdCen was up for the challenge and played physical with the Ilonggos. In the end, Skie’s superior skills were too much for Santa Barbara’s 1st team.

Carranza scored 2 goals against Santa Barbara and Almazan and Alen held Santa Barbara’s offense at bay.

The final score was 2-0.

HEDCEN 0, TAMASAK FC 2

Right from the start, HEdCen looked helpless even though they were playing a much smaller Tamasak team. Not even Skie could do anything to save his HEdCen 96 which was beaten on every aspect of the game.

Tamasak boys played the fast-paced game we were supposed to use against them. They all fought aggressively and were very focused. Their wall passes were accurate. Tamasak FC out-run, out-hustled, and out-smarted HEdCen 96.

On the 6th minute, Tamasak’s left forward cruised passed Miguel on the right side and delivered a well-timed grounder for the 1st goal.

The second goal came on the 10th minute when Tamasak’s right forward intercepted a goalie’s kick and blasted the ball from the right side.

Skie tried to be aggressive on the attack but looked rather frustrated as he ended up fouling his defender on attempts to get the ball.

Rvin seemed overwhelmed with the pace of his opponents and never recovered in 15 minutes.

Miguel was exhausted and begged to be relieved of his defending responsibilities.

HEdCen lost 2-0.

I told them that part of competing is not just being good in football but coming prepared mentally and physically for the game. The boys were very sluggish and seem tired from swimming the previous night. They also seemed to lack sleep. Still, it was a humbling experience for team 96. I told them that perhaps the game would motivate the Redwoods to further improve.

HEDCEN 2, ILAUD 0

The last game of the eliminations was a must-win for HEdCen in order to qualify for the quarterfinals.

Skie did not play for HEdCen due to an aggravated ankle injury. Rvin and Miguel took charge of HEdCen’s offense and kept the Redwood’s hope for a championship alive.

HEdCen beat Ilaud 2-0.

QUARTERFINALS: HEDCEN 3, SANTA BARBARA B 1

HEdCen was matched against the top team of group 2, Santa Barbara B. The Redwoods proved too much for Santa Barbara as Miguel and Rvin had their way in the offense. Before halftime, the score was already 3-0 on goals scored by Almazan and Resuma.

Santa Barbara B managed to score a goal towards the end of the match.

SEMIFINALS: HEDCEN 1, TAMASAK FC 0

The rematch between HEdCen and Tamasak FC happened in the semifinals. Tamasak FC beat HEdCen 96 by 2 goals and completely dominated the game in the eliminations.

Skie switched positions with Almazan and played left defender to contain Tamasak’s attack. Alen played right defender and Jason started as keeper.

The adjustments made improved HEdCen’s play. It was an evenly matched game and both teams took turns attacking with superb passing and dribbling.

Tamasak nearly scored on a scramble in the penalty box where the ball slowly crept towards the goal. Jason picked up the ball just in time.

Tamasak’s offense was very good. Even Skie had difficulty guarding Tamasak’s right forward. Fortunately, Alen was there to support Skie who was beaten by his man a couple of times.

The play that decided the match was orchestrated by the best 11-year old Philippine footballer, Skie Carranza, as he drove the ball from the back to the left wing. Tamasak’s goal was threatened and the right defender approached Skie leaving Miguel Almazan open to receive a beautiful pass from Skie. Miguel executed perfectly with a one-touch right foot finish.

It took a spectacular play from HEdCen to score against a quality team, Tamasak.

Tamasak played aggressively but the Redwoods matched their intensity and finally beat them by 1 goal.

FINALS: HEDCEN 3, SOUTHBRIDGE 0

Southbridge, a school team, dominated their opponents in the eliminations, the quarterfinals, and the semis. HEdCen 96 was simply out of their league.

In the 3rd minute, Rvin took his defender one-on-one switching left inside to right then leaving his opponent behind. He pushed the ball past a helpless Southbridge keeper for the Redwoods’ 1st goal in the finals.

Miguel Almazan scored HEdCen’s 2nd goal as he drove the ball down the left flank and forced the ball through a narrow opening that the opposition’s keeper failed to seal-off.

Just before half time, Miguel Almazan weaved through the center and pulled the trigger. His right foot had enough gunpowder to blast the ball and seal the gold for HEdCen Redwoods boys born 1996, 10-11 years old.