Italy JH plays district football opener against Frost Polar Bears

Image: The Italy JH took on Frost in their district opener Thursday. — Eric Carson(10), Bailey Walton(48) and Cody Medrano(28) serve as captains before Italy’s game against the Frost Polar Bears

The Italy JH took on Frost in their district opener Thursday. — Eric Carson(10), Bailey Walton(48) and Cody Medrano(28) serve as captains before Italy’s game against the Frost Polar Bears (Barry Byers)

Image: And there’s the kick — Kevin Roldan(64) kicks to Frost to get district underway.

And there’s the kick — Kevin Roldan(64) kicks to Frost to get district underway. (Barry Byers)

Image: Here we go men — Coaches Josh Ward and Matt Coker get the defense ready to take the field.

Here we go men — Coaches Josh Ward and Matt Coker get the defense ready to take the field. (Barry Byers)

Image: Lifting the spirit — Cheerleaders rely on teamwork.

Lifting the spirit — Cheerleaders rely on teamwork. (Barry Byers)

Image: Offense breaks huddle — Italy muds it’s way to the line of scrimmage.

Offense breaks huddle — Italy muds it’s way to the line of scrimmage. (Barry Byers)

Image: Two tough — Eric Carson(10) and Darol Mayberry(56) converge on a Frost ball carrier.

Two tough — Eric Carson(10) and Darol Mayberry(56) converge on a Frost ball carrier. (Barry Byers)

Image: On the ball — The Italy JH defense is ready to attack.

On the ball — The Italy JH defense is ready to attack. (Barry Byers)

Image: Watching the action — Monserrat Figueroa watches the game.

Watching the action — Monserrat Figueroa watches the game. (Barry Byers)

Image: Halftime in the country — The Italy coaches and players take a break amidst a rustic backdrop.

Halftime in the country — The Italy coaches and players take a break amidst a rustic backdrop. (Barry Byers)

Image: Italy penetrates — Italy’s defense has the Frost quarterback on the run.

Italy penetrates — Italy’s defense has the Frost quarterback on the run. (Barry Byers)

Image: Eric regroups — Italy quarterback Eric Carson tries to put the team on his back as he jogs to the opposite side of the field to start the 2nd quarter.

Eric regroups — Italy quarterback Eric Carson tries to put the team on his back as he jogs to the opposite side of the field to start the 2nd quarter. (Barry Byers)

Image: Mud covered — A frustrated Ronnie Gatling(17) gave it his all against the Polar Bears.

Mud covered — A frustrated Ronnie Gatling(17) gave it his all against the Polar Bears. (Barry Byers)

Image: The time ticks away — A disappointed but determined group of Gladiators.

The time ticks away — A disappointed but determined group of Gladiators. (Barry Byers)

Image: Nice job — Coach Ward gives Cody Medrano(28) praise for a well played game.

Nice job — Coach Ward gives Cody Medrano(28) praise for a well played game. (Barry Byers)

Image: Boys to men — Sampson and his teammates are growing up Gladiators in front of our eyes.

Boys to men — Sampson and his teammates are growing up Gladiators in front of our eyes. (Barry Byers)

Image: Get in there! — Coach Ward sends in fresh legs.

Get in there! — Coach Ward sends in fresh legs. (Barry Byers)

Image: Warm smiles — The Italy Junior Cheerleaders kept warm by cheering on a frosty night.

Warm smiles — The Italy Junior Cheerleaders kept warm by cheering on a frosty night. (Barry Byers)

Image: Proud crowd — Aunt GiGi, and proud grandma Ann Byers, show support for John and Zain Byers who play on the team.

Proud crowd — Aunt GiGi, and proud grandma Ann Byers, show support for John and Zain Byers who play on the team. (Barry Byers)

Image: Sportsmanship — Italy and Frost shake hands after the game knowing they will meet again.

Sportsmanship — Italy and Frost shake hands after the game knowing they will meet again. (Barry Byers)

Image: A thousand words — After an unsuccessful outing against Frost, Darol Mayberry(56) will help try to rally his team and paint a pretty picture against Axtell on October 8 in Italy.

A thousand words — After an unsuccessful outing against Frost, Darol Mayberry(56) will help try to rally his team and paint a pretty picture against Axtell on October 8 in Italy. (Barry Byers)

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