16/03/2026
Ruffled Feathers, Rekindled Pride : Cockerels Crow Back to Glory
The Resilient Claret Cockerels bagged the RIFA Championship, showcasing grit and determination in an inspiring comeback story. The U11 team (boys born in 2015-2016) started slow, with draws against Ateneo-B (2-2) and Colegio San Agustin (3-3) on Day 1 of the RIFA 2nd Phase Tourney. Despite being exhausted from their back-to-back games, they managed to bounce back with a 2-0 win over Southridge-B. A tough 0-3 loss to Xavier School on Day 2 fueled their fire, and Claret responded with a 13-0 thrashing of La Salle Greenhills, followed by crucial Day 3 wins against favored De La Salle Zobel (2-1) and Don Bosco Mandaluyong (7-0).
Reeling from missing the Cup semifinals due to goal difference, Claret's resilience shone in the Plate playoffs. In the semifinal round on March 14, they defeated Southridge-A, 3-1, via penalty shootout (1-1 in regular time courtesy of Gab Gamallo). Miggy Ventura, Alesso Wong, and Riley Castillo scored in the shootout, with Gamallo saving a penalty. In the championship match vs Ateneo-B, Wong and Gamallo scored early goals, and didn't let up, adding one more goal apiece, while Milo Ele put the icing on the cake for a 5-1 victory.
It was a dramatic finish for Claret. The Cockerels dropped only a single loss in the entire tourney, while drawing twice and winning 6 times, to end a successful season.
The gallant Claret U11 Cockerels: Vito Guarin (team captain), Alesso Wong, Gab Gamallo, Miggy Ventura, Cloud Reyes, Dean Aritao, Michio Camaya, Jermel Mauricio, Kieffer Ang, Zyann Barcelo, Riley Castillo, Marcelo Ele, Viktor Ugaban, Francis Buen, Carlos Callangan, Steve Gatchalian, Milo Ele, Seb Milling, Seth Marudo, and Daile Arizala. Coaches: Benj Anicete, Carlos Santiago, Alec Dela Torre, Rayner Cabiles, and Michal Anicete.
