By Jerome S. Galunan Jr.

Raphael Joseph Paz stole the spotlight with a right-footed strike in the 9th minute of the extra time to lift Central Philippine University (CPU) Golden Lions to a 1-0 victory over Barotac Nuevo National Comprehensive High School (BNNCHS) and claim the JR Robles U16 title at the Iloilo Sports Complex.
Just minutes before the final whistle in extra period, Paz found himself open and sent a strong strike past eventual best goalkeeper Brain Bedia of Barotac.
Both sides played tough football for 80 minutes but Barotac found a drawback in the 36th minute after ace defender Edwin Doctora was sent by referee Stephen Beria for striking CPU’s Christian Dequilla.
Golden Lions succeeded denying the aggressive scoring attempts by the Barotac side, who were playing only with 10 men.
On the other hand, I-Pag asa FC (IPFC) defeated Sta. Barbara National High School, 3-2, to grab the 2nd runner-up honors.
IPFC’s KJ Guidoriagao scored two successive goals in the 49th and 59th minutes to put his team on a 2-0 lead, but best striker awardee Arn Philip Silao cut the deficit in the 64th minute.
Six minutes later, Godfrey Sontillanosa equalized the scoreboard, however, 2 minutes before the final whistle, Jay Sonza found the back of the net to seal the win.
Other individual awardees include CPU’s Tyler Kim Rivera as best midfielder, and Antonio Velario IV as best defender. Fair play award was given to I-Pagasa FC./WDJ