McGrath High’s season on the line

It could be do or die for McGrath High School when they play their second game in Group A of the quarterfinal round of the ISSA rural daCosta Cup schoolboy football competition today at Glenmuir High School, starting at 3 p.m.

The only remaining finalist from last year's major schoolboy football competitions -- following the exits of Kingston College and St Catherine High from the urban Manning Cup and Garvey Maceo from the daCosta Cup -- the Jermaine Thomas-coached McGrath find themselves in a similar tough position and could be eliminated today.

They will face a very confident Glenmuir outfit that sit second in the group on goal difference behind Cornwall College. Both teams registered wins on Saturday, with Cornwall defeating McGrath 2-0 in Montego Bay to lead the group with a goal difference of two, compared to Glenmuir's one after their 3-2 victory over Kemps Hill.

It will be another tough away assignment for McGrath, who have lost their last two games, including a 1-0 defeat to neighbouring parish rivals Dinthill Technical. They must avoid another loss today, as a defeat could render their final group game on Saturday against Kemps Hill meaningless.

Enjoying home advantage for the second straight match, the Andre Peart-coached Glenmuir could secure their semifinal spot today with a win, which would move them to six points.

Glenmuir's top scorer and captain, Orane Watson -- the fourth-highest scorer in the competition with 23 goals -- has endured a three-game scoring drought and will be eager to get back among the goals today, which is not encouraging news for McGrath.

After Glenmuir held off a determined Kemps Hill challenge on Saturday in their 3-2 win, assistant coach Ashani Mullings said they are fully focused on today's matchup.

"We are looking for a positive result against McGrath, as the guys will not take their feet off the pedal. It is just about recovery ahead of the game," said Mullings.

Thomas, meanwhile, knows exactly what is at stake for his team.

"This is a crucial game for us and we are positive ahead of it. Injuries to a few key members have set us back, but we will definitely be going for a positive result. Glenmuir have been doing very well, but once our boys execute, I am very confident we can get this win," said Thomas.