CLARENDON College and Manning’s School lead the qualifiers for ISSA daCosta Cup football round-of-16 action, set to kick off Saturday, after completing perfect win records in the second round which ended on Wednesday.

Both schools won all five games to top their respective groups, while Glenmuir High, who will be seeking the rural area double after winning the Ben Francis Cup, did not concede a goal.

Seven of last season’s quarter-finalists, including defending champions St Elizabeth Technical, finalists Glenmuir High and semi-finalists Kemps Hill High and Dinthill Technical are through to the round of 16.

Clarendon College, who were dethroned as Ben Francis Cup champions by Glenmuir High, scored 16 goals and conceded only twice. Clarendon College are in Zone 3 alongside Dinthill Technical, Denbigh High and Lacovia High.

Manning’s School appear on a mission to make up for last season when their campaign was disrupted by the passage of Hurricane Melissa. After a good run in the Ben Francis Cup, they will have their eyes set on at least a place in the top four.

Manning’s are in Zone 4, which also includes McGrath High, Munro College and Central High. It could be the toughest of the four zones and will test the real mettle of the Manning’s team.

Glenmuir High, who are in Zone 2, suffered a hiccup in the daCosta Cup — a draw against Central High. But Glenmuir have scored 63 goals in 11 games, including six unbeaten to claim the Ben Francis Cup.

The competitive-looking Zone 2 also comprises Manchester High, Kemps Hill High and St Elizabeth Technical.

Frome Technical topped their second round group, despite a loss to out-of-contention Maggotty High on Tuesday but they appear to be the team to beat in Zone 1. Frome registered back-to-back big victories over Munro College and St Elizabeth Technical only days apart, and at their best, seem capable of beating any team.

Cornwall College, also in Zone 1, are coming off a statement win, hammering Rusea’s High 4-1 on Wednesday, but have been inconsistent. Ocho Rios High have made it to this round for the last three seasons and are expected to be dangerous. Garvey Maceo High are the other team in the zone.

— Paul A Reid

Zone 1
— Frome Technical, Cornwall College, Ocho Rios High, Garvey Maceo High

Zone 2
— Glenmuir High, Manchester High, Kemps Hill High, St Elizabeth Technical

Zone 3 — Denbigh High, Clarendon College, Lacovia High, Dinthill Technical

Zone 4 — McGrath High, Manning’s School, Munro College, Central High