KINGSTON, Jamaica — Defending champions Excelsior High made a strong statement at the start of the second round of the 2026 ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup on Wednesday, brushing aside St Jago High 4-0 in group two action as several of the competition’s leading contenders opened the next phase with convincing victories.

Excelsior, who are seeking to retain the title, were among the biggest winners while last season’s beaten finalist Jamaica College (JC) rallied from two goals down to beat St Catherine High 3-2.

Sixteen-year-old Jamone Lyle, who returned from senior Reggae Boyz duty overseas on Tuesday, came off the bench and inspired JC to a dramatic win in group one.

Kingston College also sent an early warning to their rivals, hammering Penwood High 5-0 while Tivoli Gardens High matched that five-goal margin in a 5-0 demolition of Edith Dalton James High in group three.

Mona High were another team to hit the five-goal mark, defeating Denham Town High 5-0 in group four.

Calabar High also began the second round on a winning note, defeating Norman Manley High 2-1, while STATHS edged St George’s College 1-0.

Jose Marti Technical got their second-round campaign off to a winning start with a 3-0 victory over Campion College, while Eltham High defeated Hillel Academy 3-0, and Wolmer’s Boys were edged 0-1 by Camperdown High.

Charlie Smith High secured one of the day’s away victories, defeating hosts Holy Trinity High 2-1.