St Elizabeth Technical High School player Akeem Jones (right) controls the ball in front Rusea's High's Brian Brown, during the Ben Francis KO clash at Jarrett Park in Montego Bay last year. - File

Paul Clarke, Star Writer

Western Bureau:

All eyes will be on the defending Ben Francis knockout champions St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) when they battle Kemps Hill in quarter-final action in Santa Cruz today.

It will be one of four matches at this stage of the competition, with the others being William Knibb versus Grange Hill, at Jarrett Park, St Mary Technical versus Paul Bogle at the Highgate Community Centre and Manchester High battle Clarendon College at the Kirkvine Sports Club.

But, with a semi-final spot hanging in the balance, both STETHS and Kemps Hill are talking up a win over the other.

Omar Wedderburne has been singing the same tune all season long.

"I have been saying this from the start of the competition, that we want to defend our title. Beating a strong Kemps Hill side will be tough, but we have what it takes to win," Wedderburne said.

"Mentally and physically we are ready, because getting to the final means getting past Kemps Hill, so we will give it our all."

STETHS, who demolished Black River 8-0 in their final zonal fixture, to advance ahead of Munro, received a bye to the quarter-final stage, but Kemps Hill had it all to do in their 2-1 victory over the much-touted Garvey Maceo.

It is the first time in the school's history that Kemps Hill have made the Ben Francis Cup, and the historic occasion is not lost on Wedderburne, who expects his opponents will have lots of energy.

"They won a difficult zone to qualify for the knockout competition, so they will be energised to be going up against STETHS. I think it will be a great game," said Wedderburne.

Meanwhile, Dwight Smith, the man in charge at Kemps Hill, also predicts a tough battle.

"My players have been doing well all season, so that is the reason that we will compete well against STETHS. The players are not afraid of this STETHS team in any way," Smith said.

"It comes down to who wants it more, and at this stage I believe it is Kemps Hill's time to shine," said Smith.