Thrilling Champs Finals Expected On Saturday: JC, Edwin Allen Poised To Take Titles

Anticipation is high for what many are expecting to be a thrilling and closely fought climax to the 2026 Inter-Secondary Schools Association (ISSA) GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Championships (Champs) at the National Stadium on Saturday (March 28).

Across the board, patrons say that while the girls’ title appears to be firmly in the grasp of the Clarendon-based Edwin Allen High School, the boys’ championship remains wide open and could be decided in the final events.

Sports journalist, Brian Pitter, is anticipating a dramatic finish in the boys’ competition, with Jamaica College (JC) poised to take the title from defending champions Kingston College (KC).

“I feel like this year is the year where Jamaica College will reclaim the title,” he tells JIS News.

“KC has won the last four consecutive championships but I really do see JC edging out KC this year. It will go down to the wire,” he adds.

Mr. Pitter pointed out that JC’s structure and recent additions could prove decisive.

“Corey Bennett as a new addition to their coaching staff and just the way in which they approach this championship, I believe they might just pull a surprise this year,” he notes.

He also expects a tighter contest than current standings suggest.

“JC started the day on 54 points, KC on 31 points but I don’t think that’s a true reflection of what will happen. I think it will be a lot closer,” he adds.

On the girls’ side overall, he says that the Edwin Allen High School “remains firmly in control”.

“It’s been pretty straightforward. I think that’s going to be how the championship ends, with Edwin Allen in front,” he tells JIS News.

Looking ahead to key events, Mr. Pitter says that the 200 metres will be among the most anticipated races.

“For the sprints that are left, it’s probably the 200 metres that everyone will be looking forward to,” he says, pointing to Sanjay Seymore from William Knibb in class one as a strong contender to rebound after missing the 100-metre podium.

“I do see him reclaiming his title,” Mr. Pitter tells JIS News.

For the girls’ equivalent, he highlights Shanoya Douglas of Holland High School, who took the 100-metre title in an impressive time of 10.98 seconds, as a standout.

“There’s only one winner . I do think she’s (Douglas) going to do the sprint double this year,” he says.

Track and field enthusiast, Howan Stephens, agrees that JC has the edge but notes that the contest is not settled.

“KC, whereas they were very strong in the development meets coming into Champs, after day three, they (KC) have not had much of a presence. I think JC has totally dominated the meet on the male side,” he says.

“We’re still yet to see what KC comes up with, but at this stage I think JC might edge them,” Mr. Stephens adds.

“For the girl’s section, it’s definitely Edwin Allen. They’re strong all around and I think they’re going to win this year,” he tells JIS News.

Like Mr. Pitter, he highlights Shanoya Douglas as a star performer, noting that Excelsior High School’s Riquelme Reid impressed in the 100 metres but may be dealing with injury concerns.

Mr. Stephens says athletes such as Sanjay Seymore from William Knibb High in the 200-metre class one and Joaqueem Miller from St. Elizabeth Technical High in the class one 800 metres as ones to watch as the Championships progresses, noting that “the playing field is level right now”.

He further points to Excelsior High School as a possible dark horse on the boys’ side.

“They’re doing so well. They may challenge KC for second or even third,” he says.

KC past student, Mario Morgan, also backs JC, citing their depth across events.

“I think Jamaica College will be crowned the new champions. They are very strong”, he says, noting, however, that there will be a close contest among the top-three schools – JC, KC and Calabar High.

On the girls’ side, Mr. Morgan is confident Edwin Allen will secure victory by a significant margin but notes that other teams are poised to make an impact, such as Immaculate Conception High.

Champs enthusiast, Kyle Campbell, also picks JC to win, noting their depth and quality across events, but says Wolmer’s Boys is also one to watch.

Calabar old boy, Kurt Lewis, also agrees that Edwin Allen will win on the girls’ side but notes that the boys’ competition is shaping up to be tightly contested.

“It’s going to be a very close call between KC and JC,” he tells JIS News.

“Champs is interesting this year and JC could be the one to pull off a big upset,” he adds.

Mr. Lewis says his alma mater is in a rebuilding phase and is not expected to take the title this year. “It will be a few years before the trophy comes back to 61 Red Hills Road,” he says.

Torane White, for his part, says that JC has strong athletes this year, dominating the 100 metres and 400 metres.

“I’ve never seen at this point in the competition that KC is so far down. Jamaica College is really giving them a run for their money,” he says.

Mr. White believes the boys’ competition will intensify heading into the final day.

“I believe it will be close. When Saturday comes, you’ll see all three teams in the top positions,” he said, referencing JC, KC and Calabar.

Calabar High supporter, Tamoya Gardener, is confident that her team will do well, while Felicia Hutton says she is looking for a good outcome for Maggoty High School from St. Elizabeth.

Meanwhile, Brandon Amos expresses confidence in the overall quality of competition and team preparation.

“JC has a good team, Wolmer’s has a good team, as well, even though I don’t think they have enough to really contend for the title. Also, Calabar has a good squad,” he says, while also noting promising individual performances among emerging athletes.

Mr. Amos notes that while Edwin Allen will remain undefeated on the girls’ side, Holmwood Technical High School looks very promising.

“Holmwood looks good; I like what I’m seeing from them,” he tells JIS News.