BB Coke celebration unites St Bess

Western Bureau:

B.B. Coke High School celebrated their ISSA Ben Francis Cup in grand style with a motorcade in Junction, St Elizabeth yesterday.

The motorcade that lasted almost an hour went from the school, through communities of Comma Pen, Cheapside, Ballard’s Valley, Bull Savannah and culminated in Junction Square for the grand celebration.

After progressing beyond the second round of the daCosta Cup for the first time in their history, B.B. Coke won their first-ever major schoolboy football title after holding their nerves to win 4-2 on penalties over Garvey Maceo on Saturday. Both teams had played out a 2-2 scoreline in regulation time at the Montego Bay Sports Complex.

B.B Coke principal Evadney Ledgister said the Ben Francis Cup means a lot to the community and is looking forward to the opportunity it presents for the players.

“Today marks a great day in our history, which the community of Junction and B.B. Coke High, the school of choice, celebrate our first title,” Ledgister said.

“At approximately, 4:20 p.m. on Saturday, we defeated Garvey Maceo on penalties to put ourselves amongst the big-name schools in schoolboy football in lifting the Ben Francis Cup. Today, we celebrate with our community. You have been our supporter and cheerleader.

“Three of our players were called on Friday to inform them that they will be a part of the [all-schools] team. Also, five of them will be receiving scholarships to further their education.”

‘Title means a lot’

Head coach Kemar Ricketts, who said that the title means a lot for the growth of the programme, is optimistic about next season as the school expects to retain over 70 per cent of its squad.

“It’s a wonderful feeling for the community,” he said. “As you can see, the principal and everyone is elated. It means a lot for the school as it’s the first time in history for everything. From the get-go, our objective was the Ben Francis Cup and we went all out for it, so we are grateful to have it.

“As you can see, a lot of people support us. However we are still imploring other persons, especially the business community, to help us some more because we will need the help if we are to be amongst the big boys in daCosta Cup.

“We have a good youth programme coming through. We will retain about 16 of the 22, so next year, we will be there again challenging.”