REIGNING UAAP football champion University of the Philippines and NCAA titlist San Beda College will test their mettle against other collegiate squads as they banner the first IPPCA Football Pre-Season Cup starting Oct. 14, at Nuvali football field in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
The State University-Eastern Petroleum booters, who won back-to-back UAAP crowns, are one of the favorites.
Coach Andres Gonzales admitted that his team had been considerably weakened with the graduation of some key players, including Nii Aryee Ayi and last year’s MVP Nathan Octavio. He expects holdovers Raymark Fernandez, Deo Segunial, Jinggoy Valmayor and Michael Simms to deliver.
The Maroons will also rely on rookies Carlos Monfort from Ateneo, Feb Baya from San Carlos, Lou Rafanan from UST and Ryan Fermin from Southridge in the event organized by Filoil Flying V Sports and sponsored by Nuvali, Molten, N20 Gastropub, Boysen and Bacchus.
“This league is a good addition as it addresses the lack of competitive matches that collegiate players have,” said Gonzales.