IYAA cheerleaders cheer, players play and memories are made

Barry Byers Posted October 18, 2010 6:30pm IYAA Football

Image: IYAA Sports, the photo headline says it all! — Saturday highlighted the talents of the IYAA’s A,B,C football teams and the, always entertaining, IYAA cheerleaders. Footballs fly thru the air on the field while candy and plastic footballs are tossed into the stands from cheerleaders to fans. — IYAA Sports, the photo headline says it all! — Saturday highlighted the talents of the IYAA’s A,B,C football teams and the, always entertaining, IYAA cheerleaders. Footballs fly thru the air on the field while candy and plastic footballs are tossed into the stands from cheerleaders to fans. (Barry Byers)

Italy — With all the fanfare of a high school football game, the IYAA (Italy Youth Athletic Association) wrapped up their final home games of the 2010 football season while entertaining fans throughout the day. IYAA players, cheerleaders and fans from both Italy and Rice enjoyed banner busting, flag waving entrances, big hits, exciting plays, sideline cheers and halftime performances by the IYAA cheerleaders.

IYAA C-Team Gladiators (K-2nd grades):
In game one, the IYAA C-Team Gladiators team (K-2nd grades) earned their third straight win behind the blocking of their offensive line and lead backs. The offensive line was tremendous with Rocklyn Ginnett, Isaac Gray, Byron Davis, Taylor Sparks, Joe Jackson and center Brennon Boyd enjoying a late breakfast with several pancake blocks.

Touchdowns by Laveraneus Green, Preston Rasco, Jaiden Barr sealed the fate of the Rice Bulldogs. Rasco scored his first career touchdown and completed one pass to Green. Darrin Jackson added a 1-point conversion run as the youngest IYAA squad and their cheerleaders post their first shutout of the season, 19-0 over Rice. The C-Team Gladiators now have division mark of 3-2 and are currently in 3rd place.

IYAA B-Team Gladiators (3rd & 4th grades):
The second game on Saturday featured the IYAA B-Team Gladiators (3rd & 4th grades) against the Rice B-Team Bulldogs. Italy’s B-Team head coach Gary Wood, and his division leading Gladiator squad, quickly built 22-0 lead behind the athleticism of Taron Smith and a talented cast of playmakers including Ryder Itson, Christian Cole, Jasean Brooks, Ricky Pendleton, Garrett Cash, Gage Wafer, Jaylon Davis and Donald Hayes. Smith also added an interception for a touchdown as the IYAA B-Team Gladiators defeat Rice 30-6 and remain undefeated with a 5-0 record.

IYAA A-Team Gladiators (5th & 6th grades):
The final game of the day pitted the IYAA A-Team Gladiators (5th & 6th grades) against the Rice Bulldogs. Italy Started strong but eventually lost to the visiting Bulldogs 20-6 and now post a 2-2 record along with Rice.

Track league stats and schedule/changes thru the Navarro Ellis Sports Association webpage: www.nesayouth.com

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IYAA Sports, “The winning tradition starts here.”

Photos by: Michele Cash of TLC Photography
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Visit the TLC Photography Gallery to view more pictures from the games.

Jalyn gains yards — IYAA C-Team Gladiator Jalyn Wallace(2) finds running room in the Rice Bulldogs’ secondary. Wallace carried twice in the game for positive yards. (Michele Cash)

Ten in again — Italy C-Team Gladiator Darrin Jackson(10) scores on a 1-point conversion run to add to his touchdown run earlier in the season against Dawson. (Michele Cash)

Bulldog catchers — C-Team Gladiators Jaiden Barr(34) and Laveraneus Green(21) catch this runaway Bulldog before he can reach the endzone. The effort helped the C-Team Gladiators earn their first shutout of the season, 19-0. (Michele Cash)

Taylor Sparks — IYAA C-Team Gladiators’ offensive lineman Taylor Sparks(1) takes a moment to relax at halftime while Sparks and his offensive line comrades receive praise from their head coach on a well blocked first half. (Barry Byers)

Peace! — IYAA cheerleader Virginia Stephens has a coke and a smile during a break in the action. (Barry Byers)

Minors Cheerleaders — The 2010 IYAA Minors Cheerleaders keep fans entertained. (Barry Byers)

Tyvon Gates — Tyvon Gates plays cornerback for the IYAA B-Team Gladiators (3rd & 4th grades). (Barry Byers)

Keeping cool… — …or at least trying to keep cool. (Barry Byers)

Gage Wafer — IYAA B-Team Gladiator, Gage Wafer(24), is one of the youngest players on the squad but is considered one of their biggest hitters. (Barry Byers)

Jump for Joy! — The IYAA B-Team Gladiators celebrate their undefeated streak of 5-0 after defeating Rice 30-6. (Barry Byers)

Lacy cheers — IYAA Cheerleader Lacy Mott cheers from the sideline. (Barry Byers)

See us now? — IYAA A-Team Gladiators’ Coach Edwin Wallace and the players hold up the ‘Italy Gladiators’ flag before taking the field. (Barry Byers)

Dramatic entrance — The IYAA B-Team Gladiators bust through the banner while carrying the school colors and being cheered on by the IYAA Minors Cheerleaders. (Michele Cash)

Tylan Wallace — IYAA A-Team quarterback Tylan Wallace leads his teammates onto the field while hoisting the ‘Italy Gladiators’ flag. (Barry Byers)

Big finish! — The IYAA Minors Cheerleaders reach new heights. (Barry Byers)

Brooks kicks off — Jasean Brooks(11) kicks off for the IYAA B-Team Gladiators against the Rice Bulldogs while teammates Jacob Wiser(8) and Jaylon Davis(4) rush upfield. (Michele Cash)

Fumble! — Ryder Itson(6) goes for a Bulldog fumble during the Minors game. (Michele Cash)

Keeper play — IYAA A-Team quarterback Tylan Wallace(2) stiff-arms his way thru a Bulldog defender. (Michele Cash)

Unstoppable! — Italy breaks away from the Rice defense for a touchdown. (Michele Cash)

Big Blocks — Austin Pittmon(50), center Austin Lowe(65) and Kenneth Norwood(25) fire off the line to block for Tylan Wallace(2) at quarterback. (Michele Cash)

Nice, doggy! — IYAA A-Team Gladiator Kendrick Norwood(1) is being chased by a Bulldog down the Italy sideline. (Michele Cash)

We are #1! — The IYAA A-Team Cheerleaders shout it loud and proud! (Michele Cash)