Italy endures loss to Hubbard but are determined to find a way against Hico

Barry Byers Posted October 1, 2012 7:00pm Italy Gladiator Football

Image: The Gladiator cheerleaders during the school song before the game between Italy and Hubbard. — The Gladiator cheerleaders during the school song before the game between Italy and Hubbard. (Barry Byers)

Italy — The Hubbard Jaguars deliver a reality check to the 1-3 Italy Gladiators who have temporarily scrapped their hopes for a state championship, and instead, are just focusing on winning the next game against the 2-2 Hico Tigers. Immediately after the 33-8 loss to Hubbard, Gladiator head coach Hank Hollywood called a meeting with several of his players even before the field lights could be shut off. As Hubbard’s buses pulled away shouting a victory chant, Italy was already looking ahead to the Hico game.

Italy’s lone touchdown against Hubbard came during a 3-play drive in the fourth-quarter which was a 64-yard touchdown pass from Ryheem Walker to Chase Hamilton that made the score 23-8. Both seniors, Walker is one of the state’s leading rushers and Hamilton has turned a catch into a touchdown during three of Italy’s first four games. The 2-point conversion counted to complete the scoring production on the night from Italy’s highly anticipated scoring machine coming into the 2012 season.

Gladiator fans continue to have faith that the coaches and players will hit the practice field with gusto, continue to improve and get the job done against Hico. The pre-season highs-and-lows have given Coach Hollywood a chance to evaluate the players and realize their abilities. Italy is a squad loaded with talented individuals that are simply stuck trying to find themselves as a team.

In moments of adversity we are given an opportunity to realize what we are truly capable of. Don’t expect the Gladiators to lay down their swords…

There was also a silent auction held throughout the game benefitting Andrea Hooker and her family. Andrea, recently underwent a successful heart transplant and several volunteers and Gladiator fans purchased Team Hooker shirts in a showing of support. Every item in the silent auction was bid on as a result brought in an estimated $3,600 dollars by the fourth-quarter. Way to go, Team Hooker! And good luck to Andrea who has been released from the hospital.

Against the Tigers, there will be a few personnel changes and/or position changes on the Gladiator side of the ball during their last pre-season game being played in Hico on Friday, October 5, starting at 7:30 p.m.

Italy’s first district game will be at home against the Itasca Wampus Cats on Friday, October 12 starting at 7:30 p.m.

Go Gladiators!

Team Hooker member Tina Long helps setup all the items that were donated for the silent auction. (Barry Byers)

Justin Wood(44) has his game face on against the Jaguars. (Barry Byers)

Gladiator receiver and defensive back Kelvin Joffrey(80) gets loose before the game against Hubbard. (Barry Byers)

Representing the Gladiators are senior captains Adrian Reed(64), John Hughes(62), Kelvin Joffre(80) and Reid Jacinto(11).

Gladiator head coach Hank Hollywood fires up his troops during the pre-game. (Barry Byers)

Senior Gladiators Zackery Boykin(55), Cole Hopkins(9) and Hayden Woods(8) hoist the flags and lead the team into battle. (Barry Byers)

“Yay, here come the Gladiators!” (Barry Byers)

The Gladiator Regimenet Marching Band plays the school song . (Barry Byers)

Band member Maddie Pittman displays the drumline’s new shirts. (Barry Byers)

Ryeem Walker(10) uses his offensive line to gain yards. The Gladiators have moved the ball this season but have struggled at times finding the end zone.

Team Hooker member, Mark Souder, helps fans bid during the silent auction to benefit the Hooker Family. (Barry Byers)

Justin Wood(44), Cody Medrano(75) and their defensive teammates try to contain the Hubbard offense on Italy Friday night. (Barry Byers)

Italy’s Ryheem Walker(10) fights thru Hubbard tacklers. (Barry Byers)

Gladiator cheerleader Kelsey Nelson keeps Italy’s sideline motivated. (Barry Byers)

Former Dallas Cowboy Keith Davis just had to have his picture taken with Allen Richards, a local celebrity himself. Both men once played for the Gladiators. (Barry Byers)

Quarterback Eric Carson(12) hands off to Ryheem Walker(10) who runs behind blockers Darol Mayberry(58), Kevin Roldan(60), Cole Hopkins(9), Zackery Boykin(55) and Chase Hamilton(2). (Barry Byers)

Italy’s Trevon Robertson(4) makes a sideline catch in the third-quarter. (Barry Byers)

Italy’s Chase Hamilton(2) deflects a sure touchdown pass for Hubbard at the last possible moment. (Barry Byers)

The Gladiator cheerleaders keep the spirit up on the sidelines. (Barry Byers)

Ryheem Walker(10), Trevon Robertson(4) and Zain Byers(50) stop Hubbard at the 1-yard line. (Barry Byers)

Gladiator linebacker Reid Jacinto(11) eyes the Jaguar quarterback. (Barry Byers)

Chase Hamilton(2) hauls in a pass from Ryheem Walker and finishes the 64-yard play for the only Gladiator touchdown on the night against Hubbard. (Barry Byers)

Team Hooker raised over $3,600 on behalf of Andrea Hooker who recently received a heart transplant. Representing her mom at the event was Gladiator cheerleader Meagan Hooker who is pictured with several Team Hooker volunteers. (L-R) Alexis Coots, Shane Long, Tina Long, Haley Brooks Pittmon, Clover Stiles, Michele Richards, Melissa Souder and Mark Souder. (Front) Taylor Souder. (Barry Byers)