Last season’s top four teams — Jamaica College (JC), St Andrew Technical High School (STATHS), Kingston College (KC), and Mona High — are still viewed by many as title favourites for the ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup this year, but other schools aren’t counting out their chances as the quarter-final round kicks off today.

In Group 2, Hydel may have the toughest task of them all as they battle defending champions Jamaica College at 4:30 pm at JC.

The “Dark Blues” have been in imperious form since the start of the urban area competition and made light work of Eltham in the second round. However, Hydel have gained some plaudits this season for their performances, including their second-round 3-1 aggregate win over Excelsior High.

One of Hydel’s star performers Keyanni Jackson is calling for his team to show their value ahead of the JC encounter.

“We’re feeling really great. We just need to not let this get to our heads, figure it out, put the pieces together and make sure we’re well prepared. We didn’t track back [against Excelsior] because we got too comfortable, thought the game was over, but it wasn’t so we have to pay close attention to that going forward,” he said.

Also in Group 2, Tivoli Gardens High booked a rare spot in the quarter-finals after a 2-1 aggregate win over Haile Selassie. They take on 22-time champions St George’s College at Anthony Spaulding complex at 2:30 pm.

St George’s, who are looking to end their 11-year drought, have one of the best defensive records in the competition, conceding just four times, while finding the back of the net 52 times, including a 5-0 aggregate win over St Jago.

But Tivoli Gardens’ Head Coach Christopher Nicholas is undaunted by the task ahead.

“From the moment I stepped in at Tivoli the objective is to get back the school where it’s supposed to be, because we know the talent we display [as a] school and community. We have to get them to understand that we haven’t won as yet, so don’t feel like because we overcame [Haile] Selassie in the second round, we are there, but we will get it done,” said Nicholas.

In Group 1, St Catherine High’s first assignment will be against last year’s beaten finalists STATHS at the Anthony Spaulding Complex at 4:30 pm.

The Philip Williams-coached STATHS have been ruthless all season, scoring 59 goals so far, including their demolition of Kingston Technical 11-0 on aggregate in the second round to extend their winning streak to 12 games.

However, St Catherine, who won the Walker Cup in 2019 and 2021, have only conceded five goals from their 12 outings and overcame the challenge of Wolmer’s Boys’ in the second round to reach the last eight.

Head Coach Anthony Patrick says his team has nothing to fear.

“When you look at it, all the teams have been scoring goals, but we have conceded five goals for the season. So definitely I am happy, nothing to worry, and the lads are very comfortable. It’s going to be a tough one, but the mindset is very good and they have showed it in the last two games. If you want to be champions, you have to beat everybody,” Patrick said.

The other Group 1 clash will see Mona do battle with Kingston College at Jamaica College, starting at 2:30 pm.