Intercol 25: Rodriguez penalises St Augustine, as ‘Naps’ near treble

Naparima College are 90 minutes away from the first Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) clean sweep since the pandemic, as they edged St Augustine Secondary 1-0 in the Coca Cola National Intercol semifinal to advance to next Wednesday’s final.

Another win then—against either Signal Hill Secondary or St Anthony’s College—and “Naps” will become the first boys team to complete a treble of trophies in seven years.

Naparima College midfielder Jabari Rodriguez (left) tries to orchestrate an attack for his team during SSFL Premier Division action against Signal Hill Secondary at Lewis Street, San Fernando on 27 November 2025.
Photo: Nicholas Bhajan/ Wired868.

Incidentally, it was Naparima who picked up the Premier Division trophy as well as National and South Intercol titles in 2018. They did it in 2015 too.

No other school has managed that feat once. Each time, by the way, coach Angus Eve was the hand on the steering wheel.

At the Ato Boldon Stadium today, it was largely one-way traffic as St Augustine Secondary—who are on the verge of relegation from the Premier Division—soaked up pressure with the aim of snatching something on the break.

Goalkeeper Tyrese Henry was in fine form for the “Green Machine”. But, in the end, one error separated the two sides.

St Augustine Secondary goalkeeper Tyrese Henry prepares to pick up the ball during their SSFL Premier Division contest with St Mary’s College at Warren Street, St Augustine on 1 October 2025.
Photo: Nicholas Bhajan/ Wired868.

Skilful St Augustine winger Mikel “Mouse” Murray, under no pressure, tried to take down a Naparima corner kick with his chest—only for the ball to ricochet off his arm.

Referee Timothy Derry pointed to the spot and Naparima midfielder Jabari Rodriguez made no mistake, as he sent Henry the wrong way.

Earlier today, St Augustine coach Tacuma Jones celebrated the reversal of a harsh red card given to attacker Elijah Baptiste against Carapichaima East Secondary in the quarterfinal.

St Augustine Secondary attacker Elijah Baptiste.
Photo: Nicholas Bhajan/ Wired868.

The SSFL Disciplinary Committee ruled that referee Jovonn Peters erred in sending off Baptiste, when he was struck from behind by “Caps” defender Keilon Forde.

But Naparima were a step too far for the valiant East Zone Intercol winners.

Tomorrow, St Anthony’s and Signal Hill will cross swords at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in a battle to face Naps in the final.

They would know they have their work cut out for them.

St Anthony’s College are the 2025 North Zone Intercol champions.
Photo: Dirk Allahar/ bcreative/ Wired868.

Intercol results

(Fri 5 Dec)

Naparima College 1 (Jabari Rodriguez 56 pen), St Augustine Secondary 0 at Ato Boldon Stadium.

Naparima College coach Angus Eve (right) hugs midfielder Shabani Thompson after their SSFL Premier Division win over St Benedict’s College at Lewis Street, San Fernando on 3 November 2025.
Photo: Nicholas Bhajan/ Wired868.

Upcoming fixtures

(Sat 6 Dec)

Five Rivers Secondary vs Signal Hill Secondary, Girls National semifinal, 3.30pm, Hasely Crawford Training Field;

St Joseph’s Convent (POS) vs Pleasantville Secondary, Girls National semifinal, 3pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium;

St Anthony’s College v Signal Hill Sec, Boys National semis, 5pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium,

St Joseph’s Convent captain Kaitlyn Darwent (left) controls the ball while Pleasantville Secondary midfielder Natalia Gosine (right) tries to get close during the Girls National Intercol final at the Ato Boldon Stadium on 5 December 2024.
Photo: Nicholas Bhajan/ Wired868.

(Wed 10 Dec)

Girls National final, 3pm, Ato Boldon Stadium.

Boys National final, 5pm, Ato Boldon Stadium.

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