By Joe Chapman

REIGNING champions Christianburg/Wismar Secondary School successfully defended the 11th Edward ‘Screw’ Richmond Linden U-18 schools football title with a 2-1 victory against Linden Technical Institute (LTI).

‘Multi’, as they are known, overcame LTI when the two clashed in the final over the weekend at the Wisburg Secondary School ground.

The champions were led to their win by the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and Junior National goalkeeper Jonathan Copeland, who ventured to play outside as a forward.
In the third place playoff game Linden Foundation Secondary won through sudden-death penalties against Wisburg Secondary.

In the semifinals Christianburg/Wismar Secondary defeated Wisburg Secondary 3-1 as Jonathan Copeland netted twice and Janeuve Waldron scored the other goal.
LTI edged Linden Foundation Secondary 4-3 on penalties after both sides were even after regulation and overtime play 1-1,

Copeland was named the Best Forward. He was the leading goalscorer and collected the Most Goals Award and the Most Valuable Player of the final.

The Multi side dominated the prize-giving ceremony. Their players were named the Best Defender through Bani Dow, Best Midfielder Award was won by Andre Mayers and also the Best Goalkeeper Tyrese Azore.

The Most Improved Player of the tournament award was copped by LTI Jamal Yaw and the Best Coach prize went to Joel Humphrey also of LTI. Linden Foundation Secondary rook the Best Dressed team prize

The tournament is played annually in honour of Linden’s first National player, the all-round sportsman Edward ‘Screw’ Richmond. It is supported by the Edward ‘Screw’ Richmond Foundation, based in New York and headed by Ernest Joseph.