Tacky ecstatic at making daCosta Cup history

Tacky High School created history on Wednesday at Drax Hall in the rural schoolboy football ISSA/WATA daCosta Cup competition by advancing to the quarter-finals for the first time after defeating Cedric Titus 4-2.

The David Pryce-coached Tacky, situated in Gayle, St Mary, had drawn the first leg of the matchup 0-0; however, a brace from Nijae Pottinger and a goal apiece from Romario Gibbs and Deandre Jackson ensured their entry into the round of 16.

Pryce, who had expressed confidence in their ability to progress in the competition, was elated at the achievement and stated that his charges were very inspired for their battle with Cedric Titus, especially after their first-leg encounter.

"It's a wonderful feeling. It's historic and well deserved by the team," said Pryce.

"Based on the unit we assembled, we felt we could advance to the round of 16. We analysed the first leg and knew we could get goals against them. The team was also highly motivated to get to this stage, and did so for the first time in the school's history.

"The boys are elated, and the community is in high spirits. This feeling is normally evident in the area with the school's cricket teams. It is good that football can have this effect," continued Pryce.

The past season, Tacky's under-16 cricketers shared the title with Manchester High, while in the under-19 Headley Cup, they reached the semi-finals.

Pryce was ecstatic about the prospects of Tacky, as their advancement to the quarter-finals offers them an opportunity to win the daCosta Cup, the rural area Ben Francis knockout and the Champions Cup, played for by the top four schools in both the daCosta Cup and the urban area's Manning Cup.

"It means we get a chance to challenge for at least three trophies and play amongst the big boys of rural football. Additionally, it's more exposure for the team," Pryce said.

Tacky will play in Group Two of the quarter-finals, where they will go against Manchester High, Happy Grove High and B.B. Coke High, with Pryce looking to their battles with optimism.

"Our chances are good as any. We have to take it one game at a time. The round of 16 was our target from the preseason. Everything from here is an overachievement," concluded Pryce, who is also at the helm of Lime Hall United, newly promoted to the Jamaica Premier League.