The Italy Youth Athletic Association (IYAA) A, B and C-Team Gladiators welcomed the Hubbard Jaguars to Willis Field in Italy for 2011 IYAA Homecoming games.

C-Team (K-2nd) Game:
The C-Team Gladiators head coached by Aaron Itson and led on the field by quarterback Laveranues Green, who scored on his first offensive carry of the game, held off the pack of young Jags for a 15-0 victory. C-Team’s offensive line showed signs of improvement in this one, while defensively, Italy’s first wave of defenders including Isaac Gray, Taylor Sparks, Gabe Martinez and Byron Davis controlled the line of scrimmage.

Cornerbacks John Hall, Jr. and Rodney Williams had strong performances while linebackers Green and Julius Williams met Jaguars in the holes. The C-Team’s cheerleading cuties rocked the sidelines to help secure a Homecoming win over Hubbard.

B-Team (3rd & 4th) Game:
The IYAA B-Team Gladiators (1-3), head coached by Gary Wood and propelled by quarterback Ricky Pendleton, get their first win of the season with a 30-26 homecoming victory over the Hubbard Jaguars.

Pendleton received a ton of help from teammates on Saturday. Gage Wafer, Preston Rasco and Bryce DeBorde helped keep Cody Boyd and the chain crew busy on the sideline as they matriculated the ball up and down Willis Field. The return of Rocklin Ginnette helped inspire an offensive line that really made a push forward and reached another level under the direction of line coach Andy Saxon.

The B-Team cheerleaders did an amazing job at halftime during a routine complete with boots and skirts, ropes and a country tune.

A-Team (3rd & 4th) Game:
The IYAA A-Team Gladiators, head coached by Ken Norwood, took it to the Hubbard Jaguars and earned their fourth straight win with a 38-6 homecoming victory. Credit to the Jags who were the first team to score on Italy’s A-Team this season. Isaac Salcido, Tylan Wallace, Kendrick Norwood, Gary Escamilla and Ryder Itson are helping to lead the A-Team in what is proving to be the most successful season the IYAA has ever had in this age group.

A-Team Cheerleaders Hannah Haight, Carlee Wafer, Caitlin Oldfield, Taylor Boyd, Annie Perry, Lajada Jackson, Keondra Jackson, Virginia Stephens, Destani Harris and Caroline Pittman performed at halftime to the song “Crazy Town” by Jason Aldean.

Thanks to our volunteers, coaches, players, cheerleaders, Italy ISD and fans for helping to make the 2011 IYAA Homecoming games a success!

IYAA Sports, “The winning tradition starts here.”