Gladiators Stampede the Longhorns 13-0

Image: Ross Enriquez and Ethan Simon stand united — Ross Enriquez and Ethan Simon stand united during the Italy school song after the Gladiators beat the Axtell Longhorns 13-0 Friday night. Italy’s district record improves to 2-0 as they prepare for a home game against Hubbard on October 16.

Ross Enriquez and Ethan Simon stand united — Ross Enriquez and Ethan Simon stand united during the Italy school song after the Gladiators beat the Axtell Longhorns 13-0 Friday night. Italy’s district record improves to 2-0 as they prepare for a home game against Hubbard on October 16. (Barry Byers)

Image: A tall order — Axtell had tall receivers, but Axtell’s passing game stayed grounded thanks to Aaron Thomas and his defensive buddies.

A tall order — Axtell had tall receivers, but Axtell’s passing game stayed grounded thanks to Aaron Thomas and his defensive buddies. (Barry Byers)

Image: Jasenio follows Justin — After a goal line stand by the Gladiator defense, Jasenio tries to give his offense some breathing room.

Jasenio follows Justin — After a goal line stand by the Gladiator defense, Jasenio tries to give his offense some breathing room. (Barry Byers)

Image: Cheerleaders all smiles — The IHS Cheerleaders had fun during the game.

Cheerleaders all smiles — The IHS Cheerleaders had fun during the game. (Barry Byers)

Image: Italy Shutout Axtell — Italy’s defense posted a shutout at the Axtell Corral, 13-0.

Italy Shutout Axtell — Italy’s defense posted a shutout at the Axtell Corral, 13-0. (Barry Byers)

Image: Ivan observes — Ivan Roldan checks the Longhorn herd for weaknesses.

Ivan observes — Ivan Roldan checks the Longhorn herd for weaknesses. (Barry Byers)

Image: A letter jacket night — No introductions are needed, their letter jackets say it all.

A letter jacket night — No introductions are needed, their letter jackets say it all. (Barry Byers)

Image: Calling the plays — Coaches Craig Bales and Kyle Holley helped guide the Gladiators from the sideline as Ryan Ashcraft(48) gets ready to go in.

Calling the plays — Coaches Craig Bales and Kyle Holley helped guide the Gladiators from the sideline as Ryan Ashcraft(48) gets ready to go in. (Barry Byers)

Image: Getting the play — Jasenio and John get the play call from Coach Craig Bales.

Getting the play — Jasenio and John get the play call from Coach Craig Bales. (Barry Byers)

Image: Gorgeous in gold — Italy’s Cheerleaders tried to stay warm on a night that turned bitterly cold for Axtell.

Gorgeous in gold — Italy’s Cheerleaders tried to stay warm on a night that turned bitterly cold for Axtell. (Barry Byers)

Image: Checking the chains — Italy’s offense is interested to see if they got a first down against the Axtell defense.

Checking the chains — Italy’s offense is interested to see if they got a first down against the Axtell defense. (Barry Byers)

Image: On the fence — Jasenio’s dad and his pals enjoyed watching the game from the fence.

On the fence — Jasenio’s dad and his pals enjoyed watching the game from the fence. (Barry Byers)

Image: Miller’s got moves — This is how we do it!

Miller’s got moves — This is how we do it! (Barry Byers)

Image: We love you so… — The Gladiators raise their hands in triumph during the school song.

We love you so… — The Gladiators raise their hands in triumph during the school song. (Barry Byers)

Image: Pinky pride — Covered in mud but filled with pride, Jasenio Anderson takes time to hold Kaitlyn’s pinky during the school song.

Pinky pride — Covered in mud but filled with pride, Jasenio Anderson takes time to hold Kaitlyn’s pinky during the school song. (Barry Byers)

Image: Hats off to the horns — After removing their helmets, the Gladiators acknowledged the Axtell school song in a display of respect.

Hats off to the horns — After removing their helmets, the Gladiators acknowledged the Axtell school song in a display of respect. (Barry Byers)

Image: Modern-day Gladiator — Gladiator quarterback, Jasenio Anderson, shows what it is like being chased by 11 Longhorns for 48-minutes.

Modern-day Gladiator — Gladiator quarterback, Jasenio Anderson, shows what it is like being chased by 11 Longhorns for 48-minutes. (Barry Byers)

Image: A win is a win — Coach Matt Coker and the members of the Gladiator football team during the post-game huddle.

A win is a win — Coach Matt Coker and the members of the Gladiator football team during the post-game huddle. (Barry Byers)

Image: 2-0 in District — John Isaac is beaming with Gladiator pride after the 13-0 win over Axtell.

2-0 in District — John Isaac is beaming with Gladiator pride after the 13-0 win over Axtell. (Barry Byers)

Image: We rock! — Members of the Gladiator Regiment Band had a blast performing from the stands.

We rock! — Members of the Gladiator Regiment Band had a blast performing from the stands. (Barry Byers)

Image: Feather in our cap — The Italy Gladiators lay down the law against the Axtell Longhorns in a Texas, Friday night, shootout. Well, more like a shutout, as the Gladiators blasted their way to a 13-0 victory.

Feather in our cap — The Italy Gladiators lay down the law against the Axtell Longhorns in a Texas, Friday night, shootout. Well, more like a shutout, as the Gladiators blasted their way to a 13-0 victory. (Barry Byers)

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