The Ateneo de Manila Midgets AB Football Team secured its third straight Rizal Football Association (RIFA) championship after defeating Xavier School 3-0 in the Phase 1 Midgets A Division 1 final held at Xavier School in San Juan.
The roster, comprising students from both the Grade School and Junior High School departments, completed an impressive three-peat spanning across two academic years. The core group previously swept both Phase 1 and Phase 2 titles as the Midgets B team during the 2025-2026 school year before stepping up to capture the Midgets A crown.
Team captain Ryan Moti was awarded Finals Most Valuable Player honors for his stellar performance during the title match.
After a scoreless opening period, the Blue Eagles broke the game open in the second half. Jose Bernal netted two goals, while team captain Jacob Navarro contributed another to cement the 3-0 victory and extend the squad’s dominant run.
To reach the championship match, Ateneo had to overcome a tough semifinal hurdle against Southridge, securing their spot via a high-pressure penalty shootout. The Midgets A Division 1 tournament featured a total of 12 competing schools.
The championship-winning squad is also spearheaded by co-captain Miguel Tagarda and led from the sidelines by Head Coach Nelson Sedon, alongside assistant coaches Erwin Mallorca and Rafael Cruz.