KINGSTON, Jamaica—Calabar High School’s Manning Cup campaign concluded at the quarter-final stage following consecutive defeats, yet Head Coach Jeremy Miller emphasized the season’s significant progress. Appointed in June, Miller guided the team to its first quarter-final appearance in over a decade, breaking a prolonged period of underwhelming performances.
The team showcased offensive prowess throughout the competition, setting a new institutional record with 50 goals scored in the first round. Their aggressive, attractive style of play earned them second place in Zone E, accumulating 24 points from 10 matches. The squad continued its dominant form in the second round, topping Group 2 while netting seven goals and conceding only three.
A highlight of their campaign was a gritty 2-2 draw against defending champions Kingston College, a result that eliminated the titleholders from contention. However, Calabar’s journey ended after suffering a 0-1 loss to Vauxhall High and a 1-4 defeat to St Andrew Technical High School (STATHS), where playing with ten men following a red card hampered their efforts.
Despite the disappointing exit, Miller remains optimistic about the team’s trajectory. The drought for Calabar’s fourth Manning Cup title extends to 20 years, but the squad immediately shifts focus to the Walker Cup, where they remain quarter-final contenders. Miller noted the psychological challenge players faced after missing an early penalty against STATHS, which led to lost composure and tactical disorganization.
The team prepares to face Eltham High in their upcoming match, hoping to build momentum for their Walker Cup campaign. Calabar has previously lifted the Walker Cup trophy in 1974 and 2007, providing historical encouragement as they seek to salvage silverware from their season.