Hubbard — The Italy 7th and 8th Grade Junior High squad struck first against the Hubbard Jaguars when quarterback Devonteh Williams kept the ball on a goal line keeper to put the all white cladded Gladiators up 6-0. Jarvis Harris was tackled short of the end zone during the conversion try but Italy had the advantage with 2:26 left to play in the first-quarter.

Both sides have drives that stall on 4th down to start the second-quarter. Italy takes over with 1:28 remaining before halftime at their own 30-yard line. Running back Joe Celis was already pushing himself on a sore ankle when quarterback Devonteh Williams left the game temporarily with a twisted ankle. Moments later, Hubbard forces a turnover and regains control at Italy’s 32-yard line with :46 on the clock.

Hubbard reaches the 26-yard line to bring up 3rd and four but consecutive incomplete passes turns the ball back over to Italy with :19 to go. Tylan Wallace completes a pass to Blake Brewer whose diving catch gains five to the 31-yard line. Wallace is tackled for a loss on the next play to end the half with Italy still leading 6-0.

David De La Hoya kicks off to Hubbard and the Jaguars drive into Gladiator territory. The drive stalls at Italy’s 15-yard line with 2:00 left in the third-quarter. Jarvis Harris gets blocks from the “Beast Brothers,” Aaron Pittmon and Austin Pittmon, to advance the ball to the 27-yard line. Williams hands off to Harris, correction….Williams keeps it and uses the fake to Harris to find open ground all the way down to the Hubbard goal line, a 72-yard gain!

Williams plunges across the goal line from there on another keeper and Italy takes a 12-0 lead. Williams tries to add the 2-point conversion but is tackled short of the stripe to end the third.

Italy’s defense stops Hubbard again at the Gladiator 44-yard line with 5:04 left in the contest. After the next two plays totaled minus 3-yards, Wallace turns the corner to Hubbard’s 37-yard line for a 1st down. Italy struggles to get out of the backfield and the drive stalls at midfield with 1:02 remaining.

Hubbard needs a grid-iron miracle but it never develops. Tight coverage by Ty Hamilton, Gary Escamilla and Kendrick Norwood allows Dylan “Popcorn” McCasland to harass the Jaguar quarterback and force an incomplete pass with :30 left. Two plays later, McCasland and teammate Clay Riddle meet at the quarterback to force a forward progress sack that ends the game and preserves the Italy Junior High Gladiators’ shutout over Hubbard, 12-0.

The Italy Junior High will hit the field tonight, Thursday, September 27, in a pair of away games against Kerens. Italy’s White Team will play at 5:30 p.m. followed by the Gold Team at 6:30 p.m.

Ticket Prices:

• Adults: $4.00
• Kids: $2.00

Passes:

• THSCA
• TGCA
• District
• Senior Citizens

Go Italy!