Ten Gladiators receive all-district honors, Bales named Co-Coach of the Year

Barry Byers Posted Italy Gladiator Football
Image: Gladiator #10 Ryheem Walker (Jr), a running back for the first time in his career, was named the the 2A-2 Region III District II Co-Most Valuable Player.

Gladiator #10 Ryheem Walker (Jr), a running back for the first time in his career, was named the the 2A-2 Region III District II Co-Most Valuable Player. (Barry Byers)

Certainly not picked to be at the top of the district standings by season’s end, the 2011 Italy Gladiators began their quest for glory with a winning attitude and a team-oriented frame of mind. From the first huddle break to begin two-a-day practices and throughout their championship campaign, Gladiator head coach Craig Bales, his coaching staff and players never stopped working and their confidence in each other never wavered.

Bales was named Co-Coach of the Year along with Centerville’s Kyle Hardee. Of course, Bales would have preferred the award to be the Coaching Staff of the Year award, “The award actually recognizes our entire coaching staff,” explained Bales. Italy’s assistant coaches were Jeff Richters, Randy Parks, Josh Ward, Aidan Callahan and Larry Mayberry, Sr.

Bales converted Jase Holden from receiver to quarterback and entrusted the senior to guide the high-powered Gladiator offense, despite Holden being a novice at the position. Holden proved capable and led the district in passing yards in addition to playing linebacker on defense.

Overcoming season ending injuries to senior Brandon Souder and junior Zackery Boykin, who were temporarily joined on the injured list with senior Isaac Medrano, junior Tony Wooldridge and later sophomore Kevin Roldan, Bales relied on JV players to fill the voids with Zain Byers and Trevon Robertson becoming mainstays. Against the Red Oak Life Mustangs, freshman offensive lineman Kelton Bales started at guard and was later united with his JV teammates in the second half.

As a team, the Gladiators finished as the 2011 2A-2 Region III District II Co-District Champions along with Centerville with both teams posting 4-1 district records. The Gladiators were also bi-district finalists after their hard-fought loss to Franklin, 55-28. Italy’s overall record was 7-4.

Individually, ten Gladiators received all-district accolades with junior tailback Ryheem Walker being selected as the district’s Co-Most Valuable Player along with Jamal High of Centerville.

A talented team, a persistent coaching staff, fun-loving cheerleaders, an award-winning band, the tunnel crew, a strong fan base and Andy Saxon with his horn made for an exciting season of Gladiator Football. “1, 2, 3, Italy Family!”

District Superlatives and Italy’s All-District players:

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER:

  • #10 Ryheem Walker, JR, Italy
  • #15 Jamal High, JR, Centerville

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR:

  • #24 Jose Dominguez, JR, Buffalo

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR:

  • #55 Rashad Hopkins, SR, Centerville

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE YEAR:

  • #20 Ryan Payne, JR, Centerville

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR:

  • #52 Trent Martin, Soph, OG, Buffalo

COACH OF THE YEAR:

  • Craig Bales, Italy
  • Kyle Hardee, Centerville

1ST TEAM OFFENSE — ITALY:

  • WR #9 Devonta Simmons, SR
  • TE #44 Ethan Saxon, SR
  • C #50 Zain Byers, Soph
  • T #77 Larry Mayberry, SR

2ND TEAM OFFENSE — ITALY:

  • FB #28 Kyle Jackson, SR
  • T #56 Omar Estrada, SR

1ST TEAM DEFENSE — ITALY:

  • ILB #44 Ethan Saxon, SR
  • OLB #28 Kyle Jackson, SR
  • DE #56 Omar Estrada, SR
  • DT #77 Larry Mayberry, SR
  • S #9 Devonta Simmons, SR

2ND TEAM DEFENSE — ITALY:

  • OLB #3 Jase Holden, SR
  • NG #11 Jalarnce Jamal Lewis, JR
  • CB #24 Eric Carson, Soph

Go Gladiators!