It will be the usual Linden versus Georgetown rivalry when defending three-time champs Christianburg/Wismar (CWS) Secondary School tackles Chase Academy in the grand finale of the 5th Annual Digicel Secondary School Championships today at the National Stadium, Providence from 18:00hrs.
While the teams are no strangers to each other due several practice matches, it will be the first competitive meeting between the national giants.
The pride of the Mining Town, CWS clinched their berth in the final afterdismantling traditional foe Waramadong Secondary 4-0 in the semi-final round.
With three titles already in their grasp out of possible four, the Linden unit will start the encounter as the favourite and will attempt to create further history as they strive to clinch their fourth consecutive championship in the event’s five-year lifespan.
In terms of the numbers, CWS enter the fixture in a rampant mood, with their three last wins coming via a combined score line of 10 goals. This translates to 3.3 goals per game, with the likes of Omar Brewley, Dequan Hercules, Jovon Bobb, Amoniki Buntin and Kendolph Lewis the vehicles for the offensive fluency.
A closer look at the combined offensive statistics of previous four finals further illustrate that the titleholders have scored 13 goals to date in championship moments, equating to a capable 3.25 goals per game.
While defensively they would have conceded a total of eight goals during the combined previous four finals, entering this encounter their numbers have been very impressive with the Tevin Crawford-led backline yet to be breached during their previous three fixtures.
Another dominant and physical showing from the rearguard will be needed if they are to maintain their hegemony in the national tournament.
Although the challengers might not possess the historical pedigree of the holders, a star-studded cast will be at the disposal of Chase Academy head-coach Vurlon Mills.
The likes of Kelsey Benjamin, Job Caesar, Jaleel Hamilton, Ryan Hackett and company will not be overawed by the occasion due to their respective experience at the club level and will fancy their chances of returning the trophy to its original home in Georgetown.
From an attacking standpoint, the Georgetown heavyweight has been a revelation in the final third of the field, recording an impressive 15 goals in their three previous encounters at a conversion rate of five goals per game.
A closer look at the offensive numbers showcase that they have scored 11 goals in their last two fixtures at an even better conversion of 5.5 goals per match. On the defensive end, the challengers must improve as they have conceded four goals in their previous three fixtures at 1.3 goals per game.
Further analysis highlight that two out of the four goals have been conceded in their two most recent matches and as such, a compact outing from the backline of custodian and Captain Amoniki Forde alongside Trevor Jones, Jeremy Garrett and Sheldon Profit must be achieved if they are to emerge victorious.
The winners of the tournament will received $1,000,000 and the championship accolade while the second place unit will walk away with $600,000 and the runners-up accolade.
Prior to the commencement of the final, the third place playoff between Waramadong Secondary and Annai Secondary will commence from 16:00hrs. Victor of that fixture will pocket $400,000 and a trophy while the loser will walk away with $350,000 and the respective accolade.
