In an extraordinary display of resilience, St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) has secured the prestigious DaCosta Cup championship under the most challenging circumstances. The victory arrives just weeks after Hurricane Melissa—Jamaica’s most devastating recorded storm—ravaged the parish of St Elizabeth, claiming 18 local lives and destroying over 600 educational institutions across the island.
Amid widespread calls to cancel the ISSA schoolboy football season, the association’s principals unanimously decided to proceed, recognizing the competition’s potential as a crucial morale booster for affected communities. STETHS players, who had been camping on campus during the hurricane’s impact, witnessed firsthand the destruction of their school and community.
The championship final against Glenmuir High became a testament to human perseverance when STETHS found themselves reduced to 10 players after Jade Lynch received a straight red card in the 57th minute. Despite this disadvantage, the team delivered a masterclass in defensive organization and mental fortitude, ultimately prevailing 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout that reached sudden death.
Head coach Omar Wedderburn revealed the team’s profound motivation: “We were acutely aware of our community’s suffering—fans returning homes without electricity or running water. We determined this championship would be our Christmas gift to them.”
The shootout featured extraordinary drama when Glenmuir’s James Wellington, prematurely celebrating what could have been the cup-winning penalty, fired wide from the spot. STETHS goalkeeper Johnoi Steadman emerged as the hero with two crucial saves and a converted penalty, capping his remarkable season that included 20 clean sheets.
Though top scorer Kaieem Lewis (26 goals) was contained throughout the final, STETHS showcased their depth with exceptional performances from defender Malachi McMaster—who effectively neutralized Glenmuir’s dangerous Orane Watson—and contributions from Prince Perry, Amari Lewis, and R-Jay Newman among others.
The victory represents more than athletic achievement—it symbolizes hope and recovery for a community rebuilding from catastrophic loss, demonstrating sport’s unique capacity to unite and inspire in times of adversity.