ITALY — The 2011 NESA Superbowl will be hosted by Ferris on Saturday, November 19. The IYAA (Italy Youth Athletic Association) advanced all three of their teams to the playoffs with the IYAA C-Team Gladiators (K-2nd grades), head coached by Aaron Itson, advancing to the Superbowl after defeating the Scurry Wildcats in a thriller, 12-7.

Laveranues Green scored on a quarterback keeper to give Italy a 6-0 advantage before halftime. Scurry regained the lead 7-6 but Green answered by returning the ensuing kickoff for the eventual game winning touchdown to the delight of Italy’s special teams coach, Corey Johnson, and the C-Team Cheerleaders and fans.

Big defensive plays were turned in by John Hall, Jr., Byron Davis, Christian Martinez, Isaac Gray, Julius Williams, Rodney Williams and Green. Safety Darrin Jackson made a touchdown saving tackle at one point in the contest and Dustyn Rose recovered an onside kick for the C-Team Gladiators.

A defensive stand from Italy, guided by assistant coach, Shedric Walker, allowed Italy’s offense to expire the remaining seconds after Green ran for a first down forcing Scurry to call their final timeout. On the game’s final play, Green took the snap from center, Taylor Sparks, and then quickly took a knee to secure the third consecutive trip to the Superbowl for the IYAA C-Team Gladiators.

The 4th seeded IYAA B-Team Gladiators (3rd & 4th grades) gave a valiant effort against the 1st seeded Ferris Yellow Jackets but Italy’s two fumbles inside the 5-yard line were to much to overcome as Ferris held on for the 14-0 conference championship win and will challenge Palmer in the Superbowl.

The 2nd seeded IYAA A-Team (5th & 6th grades) defeated Ferris 9-0 earlier in the season but the Yellow Jackets pulled off the shocker to upset Italy 37-6 and advance to the Superbowl where they will face undefeated Mildred. Mildred earned their spot in the Superbowl after defeating Scurry 55-28 in the final playoff game hosted by the IYAA at Willis Field in Italy on Saturday.

Gate prices for the Superbowl games in Ferris:

• Adults $5.00
• Students $3.00
• Coaches must have badges.
  
  

Superbowl times are as scheduled:

Game 1 – 10:00 a.m.:

• C-Team — Ferris Vs. Italy

Game 2 – 12:00 noon:

• B-team — Ferris Vs. Palmer

Game 3 – 1:30 p.m.:

• A-Team — Mildred Vs. Ferris
  
  

IYAA Sports, “The winning tradition starts here.”

Special thanks to the following:
Italy ISD
IHS Athletic Director Craig Bales
Larry Mayberry, Sr.
Ervin Green
Patrick Anderson
John Hall, Sr.
Gary Wood
Clay Sparks – Hillsoboro Police Department
Italy Police Department
Nen Norwood, Sr.
Robin Wafer
Michele & Curtis Riddle
Michele & Carl Cash
Michele & Roy Stephens
Alex Adair
Janie Adair
Debra Perry
Erick Thompson of Game On Athletics
All the IYAA volunteers