Italy’s Jalarnce Jamal Lewis(21), Cole Hopkins(9) and the rest of their Gladiator teammates join Maypearl for a pregame prayer. (Barry Byers)
The Gladiators stand united. (Barry Byers)
The Gladiator Regiment Marching Band is the heartbeat of Italy High School. (Barry Byers)
Amber Hooker shows her skills. (Barry Byers)
The Gladiator Regiment Marching Band’s band director Jesus Perez give two thumbs off for Italy!! (Barry Byers)
Gladiator Regiment Marching Band member Gus Allen has his game face on. (Barry Byers)
Gladiator Regiment Marching Band member Maddie Pittman and her cymbals (Barry Byers)
Braulio Luna sports TPW (Tough People Win) across his chest as the Gladiators stand in formation during the anthem. (Barry Byers)
Gladiator captains Zackery Boykin(55), Chase Hamilton(2), Ryheem Walker(10) and Cole Hopkins(9) head out for the coin toss. (Barry Byers)
Defensive tackle Zain Byers(50) sneaks thru Maypearl’s protection to get the sack. (Barry Byers)
Chase Hamilton(2) finishes off his 54-yard touchdown reception that gave Italy an early 6-0 lead. (Barry Byers)
Jalarnce Jamal Lewis(21) and Eric Carson(12) are part of “The Gold Crush” Gladiator defense. (Barry Byers)
Lady Gladiator Cheerleader K’Breona Davis and mascot Reagan Adams toss shirts and miniature footballs into the bleachers after a Gladiator touchdown! (Barry Byers)
Italy’s Justin Wood(44) reaches Maypearl’s quarterback to force an incomplete pass with help from Cody Medrano(75). (Barry Byers)
Italy’s Zain Byers(50) and Caden Jacinto(6) pull down a Panther with teammate Reid Jacinto(11) rushing in. (Barry Byers)
No pain no gain! Zain Byers(50) receives a quick tape job from coach Nate Skelton and teammate Marvin Cox. (Barry Byers)
Eric Carson(12) drops back behind his wall of blockers consisting of Zackery Boykin(55), Zain Byers(50), Adrian Reed(64) and running back Ryheem Walker(10). (Barry Byers)
Adrian Reed(64) and Zackery Boykin(55) take a short breather on the Gladiator sideline. (Barry Byers)
Italy’s Jalarnce Jamal Lewis(21) looks for running room around Maypearl’s defenses. (Barry Byers)
John “Squirt” Hughes(62) helped ensure Italy’s kickoff return team would be effective against the Panthers. (Barry Byers)
Lady Gladiator Bailey Eubank helps keeps stats for Team Italy. (Barry Byers)
The Lady Gladiator Cheerleaders (L-R) Meagan Hooker, Kelsey Nelson, Ashlyn Jacinto, K’Breona Davis, Bailey DeBorde, Britney Chambers, Morgan Cockerham and Gladiator mascot Reagan Adams. (Barry Byers)
Senior defensive back Caden Jacinto(6) played an outstanding game for the Gladiators contributing on offense and special teams as well. (Barry Byers)
Just another game at the office for Cody Medrano(75), Hayden Woods(8) and Kelvin Joffre(80) as Italy wins their 2012 season opener over Maypearl 41-14. (Barry Byers)