Redemption for Linden or dominance from Chase?

THE Digicel Schools Football tournament moves into the semi-final round today with a pair of matches. The air is heavy with a possible shot at redemption for Linden’s Mackenzie High School as they play defending champions Chase Academic Foundation.
The four-time champions who were on course for a repeat last year but were stubbed by a Chase unit that was star-studded. But they now have an opportunity to repay what is owed to a team who have developed as their arch rivals.
While many on the final day just under a year ago wanted a change in dominance, there were those who wanted to see a winning streak live on. But a coin has two sides.
On the first side, we see a Linden team determined to find a way through to the tournament by hook or crook.
They may not be playing the same brand of football that they were known for over their past four titles, but they have team spirit and community backing and those are major factors in any sport.
Their reliance on natural talent has also been at the forefront of their arsenal and coming through the ranks of the team has made them something to be feared, even when they misfire.

On the flip side, there is the highly organised and clinical Chase Academic Foundation. They are assembled with one goal, to win trophies and they are as good as Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga.
Boasting several national players and potential national players all uniting under one banner was no easy task and getting them to gel was an even harder undertaking for Henry Chase and his team, but they have done this, or seemingly so.
Their victories have been outright and they have trampled everything they have come across football-wise and as much as those from the mining town may not want to admit it, Chase are the favourites.
Still, the Linden-based side relish the underdog tag and must use it to find a way through their biggest hurdle yet; the unstoppable force against the immovable object.
One thing is certain; once the dust settles, there will be broken hearts, damaged dreams and one spot less in Sunday’s final. That game is billed for 16:00hrs
The other semi today will ensure that a hinterland team make a trip to the final, with Region 9 champions Annai playing Waramadong in another close contest.
Two of the better technically-correct teams in the tournament clash and it will come down to who have the skills to take that decisive spot.
Both games will be played at the Leonora Stadium.