The Italy Youth Athletic Association hosts Homecoming every year around the same time as Italy High School’s Homecoming. This year was no different. On Saturday, October 25, after a wonderful day in the parade, the football teams — A, B, and C — played football against the Rice Bulldogs.

IYAA A Team

A team turned in a lot of big plays against the Rice Bulldogs during the Homecoming game at Italy’s Willis Field on Saturday. However, turnovers plagued the Italy offense who did mange to complete several passes in the game.

Ken Norwood Jr. (#26) competed hard at quarterback as the Italy offense was able to gain some much needed first downs. #8 Connor Esselman had several nice runs as the offensive line gave maximum effort effort behind the leadership of #97 Kelton. Defensively, Italy was aggressive but the Rice backfield was just too efficient as they escaped with a 31-0 win over Italy’s A team. The coaches were extremely pleased with the guys for battling until the very end!

B Team

The Rice Bulldogs tried to foil B team’s Homecoming but Italy held on late to improve their record to 5-1. Chasston Wilson, Isaac Salcido and Kendrick Norwood carried the load for the Gladiators as they fried Rice 19-12 in a heated battle. Rice had one last possession at the end of the game but the B team defense stood strong to preserve the victory. B team proved all that glitters is Old Gold for Homecoming 2008!

C Team

“After looking at the film of our Homecoming game, I am very encouraged with the overall improvement of C-Squad. Our first offensive play showed every offensive lineman firing off and attacking at the point. The next offensive possession, #34 Corbin Schrotke had a long romp to the end zone followed by an exciting extra point ran in by #44 Bryce Deborde,” Coach Barry Byers explained. Corbin hoisted Bryce into the air as they celebrated their fourth score in the first four carries of the game.

In the second half, after a long run by #10 Ricky Pendleton down to the Rice 4-yard line, #9 Tyvon Gates scampered in untouched for his first touchdown of the year, giving C-Squad a 20-0 victory. Defensively, hard hits and gang tackles kept the Rice offense under control who managed to gain only one first down. Dominating performances were turned in by #34 Corbin “Hardcore” Schrotke, #21 Levi Stark, who caused havoc in the Bulldogs backfield all game. #10 Ricky Pendleton, #20 Taron Smith, #44 Bryce Deborde were a force in the middle. #33 Cason Roberts (with one carry on offense), #3 Jacob Wiser (Jacob also had a nice run in his back-up quarterback role), The relentless #2 Jaylon Davis (who carried the ball once as well), #31 C.C. Jones, #11 Rocklin Ginnette, #22 Nicolas Gomez with his best defensive effort so far was unstoppable and #9 Tyvon Gates who ended the game with a fumble recovery for the defense. #99 mason Griffin had another great kick-off attempt as well as playing hard on defense.

(Information gathered by Barry Byers)