Though there were five different scorers in Excelsior High’s win in their Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA)/FLOW Super Cup first-round fixture last weekend, Ryan Spence stood out among them.

Spence, who scored in the 29th minute, was instrumental in his team’s progression to the next round, as they effortlessly spanked Ocho Rios High 5-0 in a lopsided affair at Sabina Park last Friday.

The other goals were scored by Kimani DeCombre (fifth), Cadine Graham (12th), Chad McKen (49th) and substitute Raewin Senior (87th).

Spence, an attacking-midfielder, has been a feature in Excelsior High’s exploits all season and he has once again come to the fore in assisting the Shavar Thomas-coached team to move one step closer to the grand prize of $1 million and the newly unveiled Italian-made trophy.

The in-form Mountain View Avenue-based players, who have only lost once this season — on penalties — will meet Clarendon College in the quarter-finals at 5:00 pm this Saturday at Sabina Park.

“I am elated that we came out victorious. I thought I played well but it was an all-round team effort which brought us the results, so credit must go to my teammates as well for putting in a good performance. This win will be a great platform to build on going into the next round and to strengthen the guys’ confidence,” Spence told the Jamaica Observer.

The dazzling left-footed player who sports the number 13 jersey worried the Ocho Rios defence on a number of occasions with his swift movement complemented by a few thumping efforts on goal.

Spence, 17, made his presence felt in the 27th minute, but his spanking shot from the top of the box was parried by goalkeeper Khari Williams. He later followed up with a more delicate and well-placed effort from basically the same spot to get his and Excelsior’s third goal on the day.

The pencil-thin fifth form Spence was at it again with another well-struck shot from about 25 yards out, but was denied by Williams, diving full stretch to his right. However, he was not finished yet and popped up once more to assist Senior in putting the finishing touches on the game.

“My motto is always to train hard and play each game like it is a final and follow the coach’s instructions at all times, so going into the game I was confident that we would do well. We have a very well rounded team and we have the talent to take home this cup. We just have to play our game and play each game like a final,” reiterated Spence.

“I must say also I think this is a great competition to play in, because it allows us to showcase our talents for scouts to possibly see us, and I am sure other players in other teams would agree. So I must thank the sponsors for this competition and the coaches for preparing us to perform at our best,” he added.