Born-2014 Blue Eagles win RIFA Phase 2 Division 2 Football Championship

The Ateneo de Manila Grade School (AGS) Midgets C Football Varsity Team (born 2014) emerged as champion of the RIFA Phase 2 Tournament – Division 2, which was concluded on 8 March 2026 at Ateneo de Manila University's Ocampo Field in Quezon City. The Blue Eagles delivered a thrilling campaign highlighted by resilience, composure, and clutch performances against mostly older 2013 teams.

The members of the champion team are Alonso Azores (5-Tausug), Andrei Castañeda (6-Bellarmine), Lucas Chuidian (6-Hurtado), Hyde David (6-Faber), Jared de Guzman (6-Canisius), Miro de Guzman (6-Miki), Koji de Villa (6-Brebeuf), Maru Esgrina (6-Regis), Migo Gerial (6-Miki), Sam Krijns (5-Mangyan), Anton Landicho (6-Regis), Yñakhi Lao (6-Berchmans), Zico Mendoza (6-Xavier), Sochi Osite (5-T'Boli), Javi Sumpaico (6-Brebeuf), Marcus Tale (6-Xavier), Evan Tupaz (5-Mangyan), Max Unson (6-Kostka), Luis Vergara (6-Gonzaga), and Gabby Villanueva (6-Brebeuf). The team is coached by Rafael Cruz and JR Judal.

In the final against Don Bosco Technical Institute B, Ateneo faced early adversity, trailing 0–1 at halftime. Refusing to back down, the Blue Eagles pushed forward in the second half and found the equalizer with less than 10 minutes remaining, forcing another penalty shootout to decide the title.

The shootout initially favored Don Bosco, with Ateneo trailing 1–3. The tide turned dramatically thanks to the heroics of goalkeeper Andrei Castañeda, who delivered a remarkable performance by saving Don Bosco’s final three penalty attempts. The saves opened the door for Ateneo’s comeback, as the Blue Eagles calmly converted their remaining penalties to secure a 4–3 shootout victory and seal the championship.

Through determination, teamwork, and composure under pressure, the AGS Midgets C Blue Eagles fought back when it mattered most to capture the RIFA Phase 2 Division 2 title.