IYAA football teams and cheerleading squads showed much improvement in week five of the 2011 season as they took on the Blooming Grove Lions at home. A couple of unfortunate penalties during C-Team action kept Italy from sweeping all three games on the afternoon.

IYAA C-Team (K-2nd):
With a touchdown run by Italy’s Darrin Jackson called back on a hold and another long run by Laveranues Green to the 1-yard line nullified on a clipping call, the IYAA C-Team Gladiators (3-2) suffered a 7-6 loss to Blooming Grove with Green scoring Italy’s lone touchdown in the first half.

IYAA B-Team (3rd & 4th):
The IYAA B-Team Gladiators get their second straight win and improve their record to 2-3 after Ricky Pendleton, Bryce DeBorde, Gage Wafer, Preston Rasco, Ty Cash, Brennon Sigler, Eric Martinez, Rocklin Ginnett and Jayden Saxon help their teammates cruise to a 20-0 win over Blooming Grove.

IYAA A-Team (5th & 6th):
The IYAA A-Team Gladiators, led by Tylan Wallace, Clay Riddle, Kendrick Norwood, Adam Powell, Anthony Lusk, Austin Lowe, Alex Garcia and Isaac Salcido, helped their teammates power their way to a fifth straight victory and their fourth shutout of the season. Winning 27-0 at home against Blooming Grove, Italy’s A-Team improves to 5-0 and will take on undefeated Mildred this coming Saturday, in Mildred, to try to keep sole possession of the top spot in their division.

All three IYAA squads will play in Mildred Saturday, October 22 with the C-Team starting at 9:00 a.m. C-Team head coach, Aaron Itson, wishes to remind parents to meet at the Upchurch Ballpark at 7:45 a.m. Saturday morning to convoy to the game.

Once again, IYAA Sports would like to thank the Italy ISD for use of their facilities during home games and thanks to the IYAA volunteers.

Reminder: The IYAA will be hosting the 2011 NESA Playoffs, including 6 games, on Saturday, November 12. The 2011 NESA Superbowl will be in Scurry-Rosser on Saturday, November 19. Good luck to our players, cheerleaders and coaches as they make their final push for the post-season.

IYAA Sports, “The winning tradition starts here.”