The Italy A-Team finished the season against the Palmer Bulldogs, one of the top teams in their division. Palmer scored quick and then often but that didn’t detour the A-Team as they played their hearts out for the hometown fans.

After the game, the A-Team had a scrimmage game with the Red Oak Eagles. That’s right, two games in one day! Now that’s a group of young players trying to do whatever it takes to improve. Good luck to our sixth graders who will move onto their Junior High football and cheerleading squads next year.

Italy’s B-Team had a tough game as they were handed their second loss of the season by the Palmer Bulldogs 28-0. However, the B-Team finished in third place within their division which qualifies them for the playoffs. The B-Team will compete in their playoff game against the Scurry Rosser Wildcats Saturday, November 15, at 3:15 p.m. in Hubbard. Congratulations to the Italy B-Squad for their third place ranking and good luck in the playoffs!

The 7-0 Italy Gladiator C-Team defeated the 6-1 Palmer Bulldogs for the right to call themselves, “2008 C Division Champs!” With a perfect 8-0 regular season, Italy C-Team is the favorite going into the Conference Championship game Saturday, November 15, at 9:00 p.m. in Hubbard.

Palmer scored on their opening drive to take the lead 6-0. The Italy C-Team fired back scoring on their opening drive to tie the game 6-6. And that would be the score at halftime. To open the second half, the Italy C-Team scored on their first drive of the third quarter taking a 12-6 lead. Palmer’s offense drove down and tied the game again 12-12. Palmer tried to pass into the endzone for the extra point but linebacker Corbin “Hardcore” Schrotke intercepted the attempt and raced 103 yards for 2 whole points turning the tide and giving the Italy C-Team a 14-12 edge.

Palmer had to kick to the Italy C-Team but the Gladiators were unable to put Palmer away. The drive stalled and Palmer took over on downs. Palmer managed to move the ball but strong safety Taron Smith stripped the ball and free safety Jaylon Davis recoverd. The Italy C-Team offense put the game away when QB-Taron Smith danced through the Bulldog defense for a touchdown. The extra-point by Taron Smith was good and Italy held on to win the 2008 C Division Championship 21-12 over a scrappy Palmer squad.

Head Coach Gary Wood said, “I’m really proud of the boys and I know someday they’ll look back on this season with great pride. An 8-0 perfect season is an amazing accomplishment at any level of football. At the same time, we still have a playoff game to try to win this coming Saturday so it’s important we all stay focused.”

Good luck to all our IYAA players, cheerleaders and coaches this Saturday in the playoffs!

We would like to invite all of the IYAA Fans to come to the playoff games. Wins on Saturday would earn our Italy squads Superbowl Appearances. The first Italy game in the playoffs will be in Hubbard this weekend on November 15th at 9:00 a.m. (Italy C-Team vs Scurry Rosser C-team). The second Italy game will play at 3:15 p.m. (Italy B-Team vs Scurry Rosser B-Team).

The SUPERBOWL games will be played in Ferris on November 22nd starting at 10:00am. See schedules Below: