By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Western Visayas, represented by Tañon Maroons-San Carlos City, failed to sustain their strong start to suffer a 3-2 loss to the National Capital Region (NCR) in the 2024 Palarong Pambansa secondary boys’ football at the Dynamic Herb Sports Complex in Cebu City on Tuesday, July 16.

The Francis Roy Bacuna-mentored Negrense booters had a strong start as they quickly nailed two goals in the opening half, but NCR responded with two goals of their own for a 2-2 score.

The Far Eastern University Baby Tamaraws-represented NCR then completed their victory in extra time as they knocked down the go-ahead goal past the Western Visayas’ defense.

Despite the defeat, Bacuna remained optimistic with his squad as they managed to reach all the way to the championship round despite facing tough opponents along the way.

“This is a huge achievement for us because we did not expect to reach this far,” Bacuna said.

“But this gives us the confidence to try and win the gold medal in the next Palarong Pambansa,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Barotac Nuevo Central Elementary School, representing Western Visayas in elementary boys’ football, clinched a bronze medal finish after a 4-0 beating of Bicol Region in the battle-for-third place game.

Among the players of Western Visayas are Bryan Ejar, 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 Andrex Quinn Martinez, Nijel James Cagampang, Jashan Myar Unipa, Jhan Ryan Matillano, Lemuel Hervas Jr., Nhelro Valderama, Nyel Zano Eribal, Edrian Manos, and Marvin John Lestingio.

The Western Visayas elementary boys booters are handled by coaches Samson Flores Jr., Ariel Bedic and Nigel Montaño./ASC, WDJ