The Italy JV squad arrives to play the Mart Panthers — Italy’s Bailey Walton(52), Darol Mayberry(56), Zain Byers(50) and Jake Escamilla cross the track and head toward Mart’s turf field where the Panthers were eagerly awaiting their arrival on Thursday. (Barry Byers)
A Gladiator in boots — Zackery Boykin would wear boots in the game if they only had cleats on the bottom. (Barry Byers)
Trying some plays — Italy’s offense practices plays before the game. Quarterback Tony Wooldridge(6) calls it and the offensive line consisting of Hank Seabolt(76), Cody Medrano(75), center Kevin Roldan(60), Jake Escamilla(66) and Zackery Boykin(55) do their best to execute. (Barry Byers)
A snap for Roldan — Kevin Roldan(60) makes centering the ball look like a snap. (Barry Byers)
Breakfast for dinner — Paul Harris treats himself to a pancake and Eric Carson takes advantage returning the opening kickoff to the 49-yard line. (Barry Byers)
Paul’s got him — Paul Harris hangs on to a Panther runner to destroy a Mart reverse play. (Barry Byers)
Avoiding the tackle — Italy’s Tony Wooldridge(6) hands to Chase Hamilton(10) who avoids a Panther tackler and rumbles 8-yards for a first down. (Barry Byers)
Chase goes for it — Chase Hamilton lowers his head for one more yard to get the first down on fourth and 7-yards to go. (Barry Byers)
No place to run — Italy’s Tony Wooldridge(6) gets trapped in the backfield by the panthers. (Barry Byers)
Hard hitting Hamilton — Despite the efforts of Eric Carson(28), Tony Wooldridge and a hard hit delivered by Chase Hamilton(10), the Panther runner gets the ball across the goal line for a touchdown. (Barry Byers)
There he goes — Italy’s Chase Hamilton(10) tries to get outside against the Panthers. (Barry Byers)
And he does — Chase Hamilton(10) leaves a wake of Panthers behind as he dashes 66-yards for a touchdown to make the game 8-6. (Barry Byers)
The approach — Kevin Roldan(60) kicks off for the JV Gladiators. (Barry Byers)
Panther gets loose — The Panther quarterback looks for running room while being surrounded by Gladiators. (Barry Byers)
On the turf — The Panthers’ fumble the ball but managed to recover the pesky pigskin. (Barry Byers)
Going to the ball — Cornerback Eric Carson(28) disrupts a pass attempt by the Panthers. (Barry Byers)
Tough as nails — Italy’s JV quarterback stands in the pocket and throws a pass knowing he is about to be nailed by two Panther defenders. (Barry Byers)
Unleash the fury — Eric Carson congratulates Mike Clark(25) who lets out a bit of steam after rolling thru the Mart defenders and carrying several Panthers into the endzone for a score. (Barry Byers)
Panthers score — Italy’s safety Trey Robertson(9) delivers the hit but the momentum carried the Panther runner into the endzone. (Barry Byers)
Perfect position — Cody Medrano(75) challenges the lead blocker and keeps the Panther runner penned inside allowing Tony Wooldrige(6) to make the tackle for a loss. (Barry Byers)
Eyes on coach — Zackery Boykin intently listens to coach Stephen Coleman during a break in the action. (Barry Byers)
Catching a Panther — Cody Medrano(75) makes a touchdown saving tackle by catching the Panther runner from behind. (Barry Byers)
Big play — Zackery Boykin(55) tackles the Panther punter and Paul Harris(7) ultimately comes up with the loose ball for Italy. (Barry Byers)
Greeting Tony Brackens — After the game, Chase Hamilton(10) and Tony Wooldridge(6) visit with former University of Texas standout and NFL superstar Tony Brackens who is a long time friend of Hamilton’s. (Barry Byers)