ALL TO PLAY FOR

Kingston College (KC) will be chasing a record- setting 10th ISSA Walker Cup football title when they face a Mona High team hoping to reclaim the crown after receiving an unexpected route back into the final. Kick off is set for 4:00 this afternoon at Stadium East. The road to the final took a dramatic twist following Jamaica College’s disqualification due to using an ineligible player, handing Mona another opportunity to challenge for the title after their tense semi-final defeat to the Old Hope Road-based school. For Jermaine Miller-coached KC, the stakes are arguably higher. The North Street-based school has won the Walker Cup nine times, placing them jointmost successful in the competition alongside St George’s College. Victory over Mona would give KC sole possession of the record. The Walker Cup knockout was first contested in 1961 and was won by St George’s, with KC getting their hands on the Cup in 1963 and winning three years in a row. The “Purples” last won it in 2016, two years before the format was altered, thus ruling out the top teams. However, in 2026, ISSA changed the format which allowed the best teams to compete. Now both KC and Mona are hell-bent on lifting the Walker Cup KC booked their place in the final with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Excelsior High, coming from behind after the match resumed following a rain interruption. They showed their resilience to turn the contest around, underlining their determination to add another trophy to their collection. That comeback will give them confidence heading into the final showdown, but they will need to guard against complacency against a quality Mona team that outplayed JC for most of the semi-final. KC saw off St Mary’s College (3-0), Calabar High (3-0), and St Andrew Technical High School (STATHS) in the earlier rounds and will start favourites. They will be relying on top marksman Deshawn Byfield, Kajay Fletcher, skipper Kamaul Patterson, Davion Clarke, Adriel Fisher, Shareef Ricketts, Zaire Douse, Dandre Green and Ryland Fray-Campbell who made the transfer from St George’s College. Mona won their first Walker Cup in 2024 and will be seeking another. Their place in this year’s final offers them an opportunity to regain the Walker Cup although their route has been anything but straightforward. They were eliminated 3-4 on penalties by JC in the semi-finals after a thrilling 3-3 result in regulation time. However, JC’s subsequent disqualification has reopened the door for Mona, giving them a fresh opportunity to contest the championship. The circumstances surrounding their return will inevitably add another layer of intrigue to the final, but Mona will be keen to ensure their performance, rather than the controversy, defines their campaign. For Mona Coach Craig Butler and his players, the challenge will be to quickly refocus and prepare for a KC side that has already demonstrated its ability to respond under pressure. Mona will need to be disciplined defensively, efficient in front of goal, and composed if they are to prevent KC from taking control. Mona will look towards the talented Sean Leighton — who, if given space and time, will hurt KC — Captain Nathaniel McCarthy, Skylar McFarlane, and Damario Brown for victory. With history beckoning for KC and redemption on the agenda for Mona, Friday’s final promises a compelling contest between two schools with unfinished business in the Walker Cup. The stage is set for an epic grand finale to decide the first schoolboy football title of the season.