Cornwall's Ricardo Wilson tackles Irwin High School's Ian Beckford during last season's daCosta Cup.

WESTERN BUREAU:

Cornwall College is daCosta Cup's poster team and one of the most storied schools in the history of schoolboy football in Jamaica. Their football pedigree is unrivalled, though they have failed to secure a major title since the turn of the decade.

However, things could change this time around, as the Hopeton Gilchrist-coached unit aims to bring a record 12th daCosta Cup title to Montego Bay.

Gilchrist described his charges as "young and inexperienced", but believes they can win it all this year.

"We have a fairly young and inexperienced team again this year, with the average age around 17 years. But, even with that, I still think we can be champions if the players bring their A game to each match," Gilchrist said.

"Our aim is to get a semi-final berth and once we get there, we will be looking at winning it all," he added.

Cornwall made it to the inter-zone round last year, but failed to advance, leaving many wondering when will they will produce another championship calibre team to challenge the likes of Rusea's and St Elizabeth, the two schools which have dominated both the daCosta Cup and Ben Francis Cups over the last two years.

"Last year, we really had a bunch of inexperienced players. But we hope to build on this and do something special this year," Gilchrist said

"Clearly, our decision-making on the field, I believe, will be the difference between us and our opponents this year. At Cornwall, we have talented players, skilful players, who can win matches but it all depends on the decisions taken during the general flow of each match that will make us successful or not," Gilchrist reiterated.

"We have used the preseason matches to sharpen this, and so far we are happy with what we see."

Of the six practice games they have played to date, they have three victories, two drawn matches and a loss.

"They are just practice matches, but we looked good in them and the players are sure to give of their best when we play our first meaningful match of the competition."

Cornwall is hoping to top Zone A to advance to the first round of the Ben Francis Cup, and will turn to the likes of talented midfielder Ricardo Wilson to lead the charge. He along with Alex McFarlane, Leighton Walker and Christopher Samuels will carry the burden for the former champions.

Cornwall last won the daCosta Cup in 2001 and the Ben Francis Knockout title in 2003.