RURAL area schools are looking to put on a better showing than they did in 2022, when they face their urban area counterparts in the quarter-finals of the ISSA Champions Cup today.

Dethroned Manning Cup champions Jamaica College won the 2022 Champions Cup title.

Last season, only Clarendon College from the daCosta Cup found success in the all-island knockout tournament as Central High, Mannings High and Manchester High all suffered defeats to the Manning Cup semi-finalists. In fact, schools from the Manning Cup have won the competition six times compared to just two from the daCosta Cup.

However, there is optimism for this year’s competition, especially from Garvey Maceo who take on Hydel High in the opening game of a double-header at STETHS at 2:00 pm.

Assistant Coach Lester Hibbert is confident that his team can break the urban dominance.

“There is no pressure but one thing we believe in is change. You cannot get back the past, but now is the present and we see where football has been evolving day by day. We believe we are part of this change,” he said.

“If we have the mindset that those town teams always have the advantage [then] we’re down already going into the game, but when you have a changed mindset and believe in the team that we have at Garvey Maceo, the sky’s the limit. We can achieve anything — the same things the town teams are achieving — we just have to stay focused and work together,” Hibbert added.

In the second game of the double-header at 4:15 pm Glenmuir will take on Mona, who have yet to taste defeat all season.

At the National Stadium, 2021 Champions Clarendon College battle 2015 Champions St George’s College in the second game of a double-header at 5:15 pm.

Clarendon College Head Coach Lenworth “Teacha” Hyde says his team is up for the task.

“Preparation has been going good. Just a few hiccups with the rain this week but we’ve been going pretty well and been playing good football. We trained on Thursday and today [Friday] we have a verbal meeting with the players. They’re ready. It’s going to be a tough game, good coach, and good team so we’re looking forward to the game. I just hope the rain can hold up so the spectators can come out but it’s going to be an exciting encounter,” said Hyde.

Coming off their defeat to BB Coke earlier this week, preparations haven’t been ideal for Dinthill Technical ahead of their contest against two-time champions Kingston College at 3:00 pm.

Head Coach Oneil Thomas says they will still try to put on a brave face, despite the issues.

“Because of the weather we haven’t been doing anything, and because of the kids’ previous incident with the rain and lightning it kind of made us scared of going out there in the rain. Mentally, [we’re] talking to the kids [and will] prepare our minds for the Kingston College game but, basically, we haven’t done any physical preparation,” said Thomas.

“We’re going out there to try to do our best because it’s about applying and working the system we have been playing all season. Sometimes it’s been up and down but we’ll apply ourselves to the game and play to win.”

The winners will advance to the semi-finals set for Wednesday, November 29, at National Stadium.