Junior High KO’s Hubbard in 4 rounds, 26-6

Barry Byers Posted October 16, 2009 11:30am Italy Gladiator Football

Image: Cody Medrano(28) helped Italy’s Junior High knockout the Jaguars — Eric Carson(10) lead blocks for Cody Medrano(28) as Italy pulls off a heavy-weight upset over the Hubbard Jaguars, 26-6. The win establishes the Gladiators as a contender in their division as they shake-up the rankings. — Cody Medrano(28) helped Italy’s Junior High knockout the Jaguars — Eric Carson(10) lead blocks for Cody Medrano(28) as Italy pulls off a heavy-weight upset over the Hubbard Jaguars, 26-6. The win establishes the Gladiators as a contender in their division as they shake-up the rankings. (Barry Byers)

Reminiscent of Rocky III, when Rocky Balboa was pitted against Mr. T’s Clubber Lang character, the Italy Junior High whipped the Hubbard Jaguars in four rounds of football. Hubbard, with only a tie on their record coming into the game, now have a loss to go with that tie thanks to a surging Italy Junior High team that improved their record to 2-1.

Italy dominated the 1st round but the score cards were all even after the first quarter, 0-0.

Later in the second round, Italy’s Eric Carson connected with Trevon Robertson from midfield for 6-points. The 2-point conversion missed, but the Gladiators had the Jaguars up against the ropes.

With 1:00 left before halftime, Carson stunned the Jaguars with his first touchdown run of the night to put Italy up 12-0.

Hubbard tried to deliver a blow before the break, but John Byers sacked the Jaguar quarterback flat on his back for a 7-yard loss. The fight was on, and Italy led 12-0 at halftime.

In the 3rd, an Italy turnover gave Hubbard the ball on Italy’s side of the ring. The Jaguars showing signs of life, threw a short pass into the endzone for a score and the match was now 12-6, however, Italy was still ahead in points.

Italy’s Carson had a long return on the ensuing kick as the coaches in Italy’s corner encouraged their football fighters to, “Go for it!”.

Two plays later, Carson showed some fancy footwork as he ran a 40-yard keeper to the right for his second touchdown, increasing Italy’s advantage 18-6.

As the bell brought round three to a close, the Gladiators needed to hang on for one more round as they headed into the fourth. Coaches Ward, Coker, Holley, Sollers and Bales toweled and watered their guys while giving them final instructions.

Italy’s ring girls, the Italy Junior High Cheerleaders, dazzled the Gladiator fans and urged the Italian Stallions forward.

Italy’s Cody Medrano delivered the final haymaker to the Jaguar defense when he blasted out of the Gladiator backfield for a 50-yard touchdown run.

The effort marked the first touchdown of Medrano’s young career and left Italy standing over the Jaguars in triumph. Italy’s Mr. J.T., John Escamilla, added the 2-point conversion and the Gladiators dramatically pulled off the upset, 26-6.

Feeling strong now…

Are you looking at me? — Sampson wins the pre-fight stare down against the Jaguars. (Barry Byers)

Trevon Robertson — He’s got his gloves and his mouthpiece, Trevon’s ready to enter the turf ring and go four rounds with Hubbard. (Barry Byers)

Looking for a fight — The Italy offense comes out swinging and KOs the Hubbard Jaguars 26-6 in four. (Barry Byers)

No holds barred — Eric Carson tries to fight his way out of a tough spot. (Barry Byers)

Clover brings luck — Clover Stiles and the Italy Junior High Cheerleaders held no punches back when coming up with cheers to demoralize the Jaguars. (Barry Byers)

Tre Dos-Quatro — Trevon Robertson tries to shake off a Jaguar. (Barry Byers)

Stick and move — Carson kept slipping under Hubbards best one, two punches. (Barry Byers)

1,2,3 combination — Carson(10) hands the ball to Robertson with Tristen Smithwick leading the way. (Barry Byers)

Down goes Hubbard! — Italy’s defense delivers a mighty blow. (Barry Byers)

Eric jabs at the Jags — Eric Carson keeps the ball in his left hand while leading Italy the right way. (Barry Byers)

Fierce competition — The Italy Junior High Cheerleaders helped the Gladiators claw and scratch their way to win number two on the season. (Barry Byers)

Touch and go — Eric Carson puts touch on the ball as he completes a pass to Trevon Robertson early in the first half. (Barry Byers)

Five things to remember — Coach Coleman advises his linebackers, Darol Mayberry(56) and Zain Byers. (Barry Byers)

We’re a hit! — Jesica and Haley are ringside during the football fight. (Barry Byers)

Taking the rock — Cody Medrano comes away with the ball as Kyle Fortenberry helps him celebrate his fumble recovery. (Barry Byers)

Yo, Cody! — Cody Boyd(32) gets ready to send in the play. (Barry Byers)

Cut man — Kyle Fortenberry kicks out the Hubbard defensive end as Cody Medrano(28) cuts off his block. (Barry Byers)

7 > 11 — The Jaguars were out numbered and out manned by the Gladiators. (Barry Byers)

Learning the ropes — Hank Seabolt, Tristen Smithwick(57) and Mr. J.T., John Escamilla, had big plays for the IJH Gladiators during the fight against Hubbard. (Barry Byers)

Mud brothers — Cousins, Zain Byers(50) and John Byers(54), have been playing in the mud together since they were much, much smaller. (Barry Byers)

Double-K — Kaytlyn Bales hugs her bro, Kelton Bales, after the big win over Hubbard. (Barry Byers)

Gettin’ their kicks — Can you spot the 5th Bales family member in this photo? Hint: It’s not coach Craig Bales. (Barry Byers)

Glad to be Gladiators — Coach Ward and the Italy Junior High Gladiators are happy with their performance after the Hubbard match. The fight record is now 2-1, 2-TKOs in a row. (Barry Byers)