Italy hosted Hubbard on Thursday night and the game went down to the wire, but Italy lost in the final seconds 20-12.

On the first snap of Italy’s first possession, Tony Wooldridge powered 75 yards into the end zone bringing the hometown fans to their feet until a holding penalty nullified the touchdown. Four plays later a bobbled snap on an Italy punt gave Hubbard great field possession on the Italy 25-yard line. #9 scored on a 5-yard keeper to give his team a 6-0 lead with :26 left in the first period.

Italy was forced to punt, but got the ball back on the next play due to a Hubbard fumble. This time Chase Hamilton scored on a 10-yard scamper to tie the score 6-6.

Hubbard began the final drive of the half. They hit pay dirt eight plays later with only 11 seconds remaining in the first half when #20 scored from 5 yards out. The two-point conversion was successful to give Hubbard a 14-6 halftime lead.

The third quarter was a see-saw battle with neither team being able to find the end zone.

With 4:21 left in the game, Hamilton executed a perfect block to allow Wooldridge to sprint 77 yards untouched into the end zone. The two-point conversion failed, but Italy had closed the gap 14-12.

When Hubbard was forced to punt, Italy began driving down field. The drive was halted when #6 intercepted a Wooldridge pass intended for Hamilton. Two plays later, #9 drew blood again with a 43-yard touchdown with less than a minute remaining in the game.

Italy refused to concede the game and began their drive on the Hubbard 43-yard line. With determination and drive they moved the ball to the 10-yard line and stalled. Unable to convert a fourth down, Italy was forced to give the ball back to Hubbard with only six seconds on the clock. Hubbard won the game 20-12.