Italy Pride is still strong despite a disappointing loss to the Franklin Lions Friday night. For a team that defied the odds, week in and week out, to finally have the season to end can be emotional to say the least. However, the finality of it all soon passed as the Gladiators gathered their gear, got their cleats back under them and stood proud as the fans gave them one last cheer.

Italy’s senior Gladiators, Brandon Souder, Jase Holden, Larry Mayberry, Jr., Kyle Jackson, Ethan Saxon, Omar Estrada, Devonta Simmons and Isaac Medrano put together a tremendous season for their fans and deserve to have their names engraved in Gladiator football history. From the first week of 2-a-day practices to the final buzzer in Buffalo, these eight student athletes led by example, inspired their teammates and have become idols and roll models to future Gladiators, even if they, themselves, do not realize it.

Under this season’s senior leadership, a foundation that was poured two seasons ago with a playoff berth has now hardened with Italy’s second trip to the playoffs in three years. With the district championship returned, their swords have been passed…

Thank you, seniors!