Title contenders Jamaica College (JC) and Hydel High opened their ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup campaigns with emphatic 9-0 wins over Pembroke Hall and Ardenne High respectively.

The rampant JC jumped to the top of Zone F courtesy of a three-timer by Geovanni Taylor — the son of former Reggae Boyz striker Fabian Taylor.  Former Kingston College striker Nashordo Gibbs scored twice.

JC are on top on goal difference ahead of Ascot High who edged Bridgeport High 1-0 at the Dunbeholden Field, to also be on three points.

JC’s coach Davion Ferguson said he didn’t want to complain about the pitch but was pleased his team displayed its quality.

“We wanted to start on a positive note and nine goals on any team is a lot and that’s what we did and I am thankful for that,” said Ferguson.

Meanwhile, last year’s losing finalist Hydel High mauled the 1991 champion Ardenne High 9-0 at the Royal Lakes field and moved to the top of Zone A.      

Hydel showed that they will once again be a force to be reckoned with as they retained five starting players and 10 squad players overall including National Under-20 representatives Ronaldo Barrett and Keyanni Jackson.

But Hydel didn’t require either to score as Rasheen Green netted a three-timer with double strikes from D’Sean Henry and Dontae Brooks. Shannon Power and Kemar Gouldbourne also got on the scoresheet.

Eltham High whipped Clan Carthy 5-0 in the other Zone A match to be second to JC in the standings.

In Zone G, former champion St George’s College looked assured as they brushed aside neighbours Holy Trinity 2-0 at Emmett Park.

Matthew Spence opened the scoring in the ninth minute before Payton Larmond sealed the victory in the 67^th minute ramming home from just outside the box.

But it was St Catherine High that surged to the top of the zone after they were awarded a 3-0 win over Norman Manley at Maxfield Park because of an underprepared field.