CENTERVILLE — The Italy Gladiators, who entered last Friday night’s contest as the front runner in the district at 4-0, took on the Centerville Tigers in an equally matched hard-hitting contest with both sides still having goals to accomplish. With both teams already guaranteed a spot in the playoffs, Centerville needed the win to secure a share of the district title with Italy while the Gladiators were hoping to remain undefeated in district play and claim the championship title outright.

Italy drew first blood in the first quarter on a 1-yard run by Holden after receiving a push from behind by fullback Kyle Jackson. Italy’s 2-point conversion attempt failed but the Gladiators had the momentum early, 6-0.

However, the Tigers came roaring back into the contest to score back-to-back touchdowns. The first touchdown came immediately following Italy’s score as Ryan Payne slashed the Gladiator defense for a 43-yard scoring run late in the first quarter. The point after kick stayed inside the left upright and Centerville led 7-6.

Early in the second quarter, Centerville’s Jamal High scored the Tigers’ second touchdown on a 3-yard run to put Centerville up 14-6. Still in the first half, Italy’s Chase Hamilton had a kickoff returned for a touchdown nullified after a clipping penalty near the goal line but the ball was spotted at Centerville’s 15-yard line. Moments later, Walker ran in for Italy’s second touchdown of the game to shrink the Tiger lead 14-12. Again, Italy’s 2-point conversion try was stopped short of the goal line by the Tiger defense to help Centerville cling to a 14-12 advantage to end the half.

The Gladiators mounting one last drive in the fourth-quarter having to start their drive from their own 20-yard line following a touchback after a Centerville punt with just 2:12 left in the game. Holden rolled out trying to pass on Italy’s first two plays but was forced to scramble setting up third-and-seven. Holden connected with Walker who stretched out for the catch and a first down to keep the drive alive.

Holden and the Gladiators converted three third down conversions on the drive but were staring at a fourth and eight from Centerville’s 44-yard line with time ticking away. Holden tried to pass, once more, but was pursued out of the pocket. Holden managed to run for the first down and get out-of-bounds to stop the clock.

With desperation sinking in, Holden rolled right and launched a lob pass to 6’ 5" receiver, Devonta Simmons, who leaped high in the air to make the catch and then fight his way into the endzone for the apparent game winning touchdown. Unfortunately, Simmons was flagged for pass interference to erase, what would have been a tremendous play by the Gladiators.

Two plays later, Centerville’s cornerback Cort Harris came down with an interception inside his own ten with just four seconds left in the game to capture the win and secure share of the district championship for the Tigers.

The Tigers celebrated like they had won the Superbowl as Tiger head coach Kyle Hardee received a water cooler shower from his team. The 14-12 victory was Centerville’s first district championship since 1969 and cause for celebration, even if they had to share the District 11-2A, Division II crown with Italy.

Gladiator head coach, Craig Bales, huddled his team during the Tigers’ celebration to remind them their still part owner of the district’s 2011 championship and that they still have a playoff game to go win.

The Gladiators will take on the Franklin Lions (9-2, 4-2) in Buffalo tomorrow on Friday, November 11, for the Bi-District Championship starting at 7:30 p.m. Also, there will be a 5:30 pep rally and bonfire for the Gladiators behind their field house this afternoon.

Go Gladiators!