Gladiators hang on to a Lion but Blooming Grove holds on for win — Italy’s JaRay Anderson(9), Colton Petrey(6) and Kyle Fortenberry(50) rough up a Blooming Grove Lion running back during solid performance by both Junior High squads. At the final buzzer, the Lions let out a roar after winning 14-0 at Willis Field in Italy. (Barry Byers)
In the clear — Italy’s John Escamilla(7) rushes for a first down thru the middle of the Lions’ defense. (Barry Byers)
Hip, hip, Jaray! — Italy’s Jaray Anderson(9) pulls down a Blooming Grove runner in the Lions’ backfield. (Barry Byers)
Defense! — Caden Petrey(35) and John Byers(56) force an awkward pass attempt by the Lions that fell incomplete. (Barry Byers)
The tough yards — Levi McBride(28) leads the way for JH Gladiator quarterback Ryan Connor. (Barry Byers)
Grass flying tackle — Caden Petrey and Ryan Connor(17) force the Lions’ Quarterback out of bounds. (Barry Byers)
Lean on us — The Gladiators always have their cheerleaders to lean on for support. Haylee Turner, Kelsey Nelson and Brit Chambers are proud of their team. (Barry Byers)
Busting thru — John Escamilla(7) powers his way into the Blooming Grove secondary. (Barry Byers)
Can’t escape JaRay — A thorn in the side of the Lions all game, Italy’s Jaray Anderson(9) sacks the Blooming Grove quarterback. (Barry Byers)
Peck picks his way — Lance Peck picks his way thru a pack of Lions. Lance Peck picks his way thru a pack of Lions. Lance Peck picks his way thru a pack of Lions. “That’s hard to say three times!” (Barry Byers)
Ty Windham — Ty loves gameday. (Barry Byers)
JV takes field — The Italy JV Gladiators enter the Willis Field arena to battle the Blooming Grove Lions. (Barry Byers)
Seabolt tightens grip — Noseguard Hank Seabolt(76) was well suited for the rugby scrum match down the middle of the field. Seabolt had multiple tackles including this one that resulted in a loss of yards for the Lions. (Barry Byers)
In the grasp — Trevon Robertson(9) gets help from Eric Carson(28) in bringing down a Blooming Grove runner. (Barry Byers)
Working together — Italy’s Eric Carson(28) and teammate Paul Harris(7) team up for the takedown. (Barry Byers)
Before the snap — Italy’s Eric Carson(28) looks over the Lions’ defense before receiving the snap from Bailey Walton. (Barry Byers)
Richters talks football — Coach Richters talks with the JV Gladiators’ defensive unit during a timeout. (Barry Byers)
Lions make a play — Italy’s Trevon Robertson(9) tries to haul in a pass for the 2-point conversion. (Barry Byers)
Two tough — Italy’s Kevin Roldan(60) and Trevon Robertson(9) combine for a stop. (Barry Byers)
It’s a trick — Whatever you do, do not look at Haylee Turner standing behind Sarah Coleman. (Barry Byers)
‘Football Finder’ — Sometimes it’s hard to know who’s making the tackle but Jake Escamilla makes this one. (Barry Byers)
We see you, Hank — Italy’s Hank Seabolt is spotted on the ‘Football Finder’ making the tackle against the Lions. (Barry Byers)
Bailey and Hannah — Italy JH Cheerleaders Bailey DeBorde and Hannah Washington show who is number one. (Barry Byers)
I Believe — Italy JH Cheerleader Madison Washington. (Barry Byers)