By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Iloilo Giants, represented by Barotac Nuevo Central Elementary School, took home the crown in the 2024 WVRAA Meet elementary boys football event in Bacolod City on Monday night, May 6.

The Ilonggo elementary boys booters emerged on top following a 3-0 domination of Negros Occidental in a one-game championship held at the Panaad Park and Stadium.

Bryan Ejar opened the scoring for the Giants with a conversion late in the first half before Andrex Quinn Martinez knocked down back-to-back goals in the second half to clinch the championship.

Among the players of the Giants are Fritz Azhryl Chavez, Ezekiel Joan Surmieda, Khyhlle Anthore Yu, Devon Cris Torres, Luke Gabriel Derotas, Geric Matthew Jimena, and Carl John Betco.

Also in the squad are Nijel James Cagampang, Jashan Myar Unipa, Jhan Ryan Matillano, Lemuel Hervas Jr., Nhelro Valderama, Nyel Zano Eribal, Edrian Manos, and Marvin John Lestingio.

To claim the championship, the Iloilo team of coaches Samson Flores Jr., Ariel Bedic and Nigel Montaño will represent Western Visayas in Palarong Pambansa 2024 this July in Cebu City.

Meanwhile, the Iloilo Giants were not as fortunate in the secondary boys football category, as they settled for a bronze medal finish with a 5-0 beating of Capiz on Monday morning.

Negros Occidental bagged the secondary boys football championship and earned the right to represent WVRAA in Palaro after scoring a 5-0 triumph against Capiz in the one-game finale.

In secondary boys volleyball, Negros Occidental bagged the qualifying tournament championship after a 25-23, 22-25, 25-21, 25-12 triumph against Aklan in the gold medal match.

Negros Occidental also emerged victorious in the secondary girls futsal event after winning over Iloilo in the finals.

Capiz joined the podium finishers with a bronze medal./ASC, WDJ