CSSSA Football Champions Gwen Lizarraga High School boys – Photo Credit: William George Ysaguirre
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Gwen Lizarraga High School completed their three‑peat as Central Region champions on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, but this year’s triumph came through patience and resilience rather than the goal‑fest of seasons past. After a tense 0–0 stalemate through regulation and overtime, the defending national champions edged Wesley College 4–1 in a penalty shootout at the Marion Jones Sports Complex in Belize City.
The contrast with last year’s final couldn’t have been more dramatic. In 2025, Gwen Liz dismantled Wesley 10–0 in a one‑sided championship match powered by a four‑goal explosion from Calvin Thurton. This time, Wesley arrived unbeaten, organized, and determined to avoid a repeat of that painful defeat. Their improved structure forced Gwen Liz into a tactical battle instead of the free‑scoring display that defined last year’s title run.
CSSSA Football Subchampions Wesley College boys- Photo Credit: William George Ysaguirre
When the match moved to penalties, Gwen Liz showed their championship pedigree. Jaden Mendoza, Tyrone Linares Jr, and Tyler Gentle all converted their kicks, with only their third shooter missing. Best Goalkeeper awardee Shane Vernon took command, stopping Wesley’s first three attempts. Only Jacob Joseph found the net for Wesley, sealing the 4–1 shootout win and the Gwen Liz’s third consecutive CSSSA title.
Tuesday’s third‑place match delivered late drama as Anglican Cathedral College edged Sadie Vernon Technical 3–2. ACC surged ahead through a quick brace from Lloyd McKenzie in the 21st and 22nd minutes. Sadie Vernon responded through Jaheem Flowers (24’) and Darwin Howard (46’) to level the match, but Jadon Westby struck in the final minute to secure ACC’s victory.
Individual Awards
– Most Valuable Player: Tyrone Linares Jr – Gwen Liz
– Most Goals: Tyler Gentle – Gwen Liz
– Best Defense: Tyrone Linares Jr – Gwen Liz
– Best Goalkeeper: Shane Vernon – Gwen Liz
CSSSA 3rd place Anglican Cathedral College – Photo Credit: William George Ysaguirre
The semifinals, played last Saturday, February 7, shaped the championship battle. Wesley College advanced with a 3–1 win over Sadie Vernon Technical, thanks to goals from Jacob Joseph (21’), Norman Muñoz (33’), and Daewyn Castillo (40’). Flowers (27’) scored for Sadie Vernon.
In the other semifinal, Gwen Lizarraga powered past Anglican Cathedral College 4–0. Gentle struck twice (40’, 60’), while Tyrone Linares Jr (20’) and Christon Linares (50’) added to the tally.
With the district crown secured once again, Gwen Lizarraga High School will represent the Belize District at the National Secondary Schools Sports Association (NSSSA) Championship, hosted by Wesley College on February 19–20 at the Marion Jones Sports Complex.
They will face:
– Orange Walk Technical High School – Northern champions
– Sacred Heart College – Western champions
– Julian Cho Technical High School – Southern champions
And this time, they return not just as district champions, but as defending national champions, having captured last year’s NSSSA title with a 3–1 victory over Belize High School of Agriculture. Gwen Liz now steps onto the national stage with a chance to extend their reign even further.
CSSSA 4th Place Sadie Vernon Technical High School – Photo Credit: William George Ysaguirre
The post Gwen Liz boys clinch 3rd straight CSSSA football crown on 4–1 shootout victory over Wesley College appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
CSSSA Football Champions Gwen Lizarraga High School boys – Photo Credit: William George Ysaguirre By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Gwen Lizarraga High School completed their three‑peat as Central Region champions on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, but this year’s triumph came through patience and resilience rather than the goal‑fest of seasons past. After a tense 0–0 stalemate
The post Gwen Liz boys clinch 3rd straight CSSSA football crown on 4–1 shootout victory over Wesley College appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.