CEBU City – Barotac Nuevo Central Elementary School, representing Western Visayas, salvaged a bronze medal finish in the 2024 Palarong Pambansa elementary boys football event here.
The Ilonggo squad made sure to land a podium finish, scoring a dominant 4-0 victory over the Bicol Region in the battle-for-bronze medal game held at the Don Bosco Technical College.
Among the players of the Western Visayas squad were 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 were 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 were handled by coaches Samson Flores Jr., Ariel Bedic, and Nigel Montaño.
Meanwhile, Tañon Maroons-San Carlos City, which represents Western Visayas secondary boys football squad, failed to sustain their strong start to suffer a 3-2 loss to National Capital Region in the finals at the Dynamic Herb Sports Complex in Cebu City.
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 the 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.”/PN
