Dale Hansen presents academic scholarships to Italy’s Paul Harris and Morgan Cockerham and to Malakoff’s Olin Taylor and Baylie Sims. Each recipient received $1,000.00. Overall $12,000.00 in scholarships were presented during the inaugural 2012 Dale Hansen Football Classic. (Barry Byers)
The Italy Tunnel Crew: Mark Jacinto, Michael Martinez, Darla Wood, Gary Wood and Jasenio Anderson. (Barry Byers)
Senior Gladiator Zackery Boykin(55) leads his team into battle against the Malakoff Tigers at Stuart B. Lumpkins Field in Waxahachie. (Barry Byers)
The Gladiators pay tribute to the United States flag. (Barry Byers)
Italy’s offense gets the ball rolling early against Malakoff. (Barry Byers)
Italy’s offensive blockers to start the game were Darol Mayberry(58), Adrian Reed(64), Zain Byers(50), Kevin Roldan(60), Zackery Boykin(55) and Ryheem Walker(10). (Barry Byers)
Junior quarterback Eric Carson(12) throws two early touchdown passes to Chase Hamilton and Cole Hopkins to give Italy a 15-0 lead in the first quarter. (Barry Byers)
Eric Carson(12) hands off to senior running back Ryheem Walker(10). (Barry Byers)
Italy’s defense began the contest with a determined effort as Jalarnce Lewis(21), Reid Jacinto(11), Justin Wood(44) and Eric Carson(12) bring down a Tiger back. (Barry Byers)
Caden Jacinto(6) and teammate Marvin Cox are proud to be Gladiators! (Barry Byers)
Trevon Robertson(4) makes the catch at the 1-yard line for Italy. (Barry Byers)
Sophomore cornerback Cody Boyd(15) and his fellow Gladiator defenders try to keep Malakoff out of the end zone. (Barry Byers)
Italy’s Eric Carson(12) scrambles for yards as teammate Jalarnce Lewis(21) attempts to block. (Barry Byers)
Gladiator line coach Brandon Duncan talks with Adrian Reed(64) and Darol Mayberry(58). (Barry Byers)
Lady Gladiator Cheerleaders Ashlyn Jacinto (front) and Bailey DeBorde wave their mock swords in support. (Barry Byers)
The Italy Gladiator Color Guard is ready to perform at halftime. (Barry Byers)
Gladiator Regiment Marching Band member Zac Mercer tries to inspire the troops! (Barry Byers)
Gladiator Regiment Marching Band members Lillie Perry, Hannah Washington and Kortnei Johnson make some noise during the halftime presentation. (Barry Byers)
Italy’s Justin Wood(44) reaches Malakoff’s quarterback to force an incomplete pass. (Barry Byers)
Gladiator Regiment Marching Band member Brett Kirton helps keep, “The Beat of Champions,” going strong! (Barry Byers)
The Italy Lady Gladiator cheerleaders are (L-R) mascot Reagan Adams, Morgan Cockerham, Britney Chambers, Ashlyn Jacinto, Bailey DeBorde, K’Breona Davis and Kelsey Nelson and Meagan Hooker down front. Not pictured is Taylor Turner who was not feeling well. Get better soon Taylor! (Barry Byers)
Senior outside linebacker Jalarnce Lewis(21) gets the adjustment from the sideline. (Barry Byers)
Left tackle Darol Mayberry(58) secures a fumble to keep possession of the ball for Italy’s offense. (Barry Byers)
Cole Hopkins takes the snap from Justin Wood and holds while Braulio Luna(56) kicks the point after thru the uprights. Luna’s kick tied the score 36-36 in the third quarter but Malakoff went on to win big, 64-36. (Barry Byers)