THE Cagayan de Oro (CDO) High School football team is supposed to peak this week just in time for the Northern Mindanao Regional Athletic Association (NMRAA) regional meet which will kick off on Sunday in the Island Paradise of Camiguin.
However, coach Dennis Bongocan is very much worried as six of his players are down with different ailments.
Right winger Merben Acierto of Corpus Christi High School, goalkeeper Jko Pupos of Rosevale, striker Robin Tagle of Xavier University High School, winger Rod Raphael Alenton also of Rosevale, central defender Louie Abuso of Agusan National High School, and defender Julian Tan of Xavier University are doubtful as they are still on sick bay and might not be ready for the opening match on Monday.
“We had very good performances during our tune-up games against strong opponents but just this week these players have not turned up for practice because they are sick. I am hopeful that they will recover in time, if not we will be in trouble,” coach Dennis said.
Coach Dennis, who is also the sports coordinator and the head coach of Rosevale School Uptown, also said there are lots of tough teams this year.
“Misamis Occidental, Valencia, Malaybalay and Oroquieta are strong teams. It will be tough for us,” he said.
Also bannering the CDO team are striker Rocky Grant (Rosevale), Rod Jose Pio Alenton (Rosevale), midfielder Ildrean Retuerto of Liceo, Chev Magdale (Rosevale), defender Rex Tapugnot (Xavier University), goalkeeper Andres Fernandez of St. Mary’s School, striker Vince Wong (XU), winger Zeke Valdehueza (Rosevale) and midfielder Lyle Dy of Rosevale.
The CDO elementary team already left for Camiguin to start their final preparation for the week long competition.
The lads of coach Mario Sumampong are bannered by players from Rosevale, St. Mary’s School, and Corpus Christi.
They are striker RJ Caintic (Rosevale), striker Terrence Mayne (Rosevale), striker Vinson Manubag (Rosevale), winger Zidane Denosta (Rosevale), midfielder Carlo Bongocan (Rosevale), midfielder Jeff Irvin Cascara (Rosevale), defender Kid Yanes (SMS), defender John Quinito (Rosevale), defender Antonio Que (Rosevale), goalkeeper Rawin Gementiza (Rosevale), defender Aaron Magadan (Corpus Christi), midfielder Kyle Chaves (Rosevale), midfielder Germain Badal (Corpus), defender Jared Tan (Rosevale) and defender Jamshed Dimaporo (Rosevale).
The CDO teams will play against top teams from Northern Mindanao for the right to represent the region in the Palarong Pambansa set in the summer of next year.
(l.biantan@gmail.com)