Gladiators win the first three quarters but Hico runs away with the game

Image: The Gladiators prepare for battle against the Hico Tigers during Italy’s final pre-season game in Hico.

The Gladiators prepare for battle against the Hico Tigers during Italy’s final pre-season game in Hico. (Barry Byers)

Image: The Gladiator cheerleaders were in full force for Hico. (L-R) Mascot Reagan Adams, Britney Chambers, Ashlyn Jacinto, K’Breona Davis, Taylor Turner, Meagan Hooker, Kelsey Nelson and Morgan Cockerham.

The Gladiator cheerleaders were in full force for Hico. (L-R) Mascot Reagan Adams, Britney Chambers, Ashlyn Jacinto, K’Breona Davis, Taylor Turner, Meagan Hooker, Kelsey Nelson and Morgan Cockerham. (Barry Byers)

Image: Scott Connor and his son Trent are hungry for a win against Hico.

Scott Connor and his son Trent are hungry for a win against Hico. (Barry Byers)

Image: Marvin Cox(3) sits in the pocket behind Cody Medrano(75), Zain Byers(50) and Kevin Roldan(60). Cox completed 12-of-32 passes for 109 yards in his first start at quarterback for Italy.

Marvin Cox(3) sits in the pocket behind Cody Medrano(75), Zain Byers(50) and Kevin Roldan(60). Cox completed 12-of-32 passes for 109 yards in his first start at quarterback for Italy. (Barry Byers)

Image: Zackery Boykin(88), Zain Byers(50) and Kevin Roldan(60) lay it on the line with Chase Hamilton(2) and Marvin Cox(3) in the backfield.

Zackery Boykin(88), Zain Byers(50) and Kevin Roldan(60) lay it on the line with Chase Hamilton(2) and Marvin Cox(3) in the backfield. (Barry Byers)

Image: Senior receiver Cole Hopkins(9) hauls in a 38-yard pass from Marvin Cox to put Italy into scoring position. Hopkins had 4 catches for 62 yards against the Tigers.

Senior receiver Cole Hopkins(9) hauls in a 38-yard pass from Marvin Cox to put Italy into scoring position. Hopkins had 4 catches for 62 yards against the Tigers. (Barry Byers)

Image: Gladiator mascot Reagan Adams and Gladiator cheerleader Kelsey Nelson groove to the beat.

Gladiator mascot Reagan Adams and Gladiator cheerleader Kelsey Nelson groove to the beat. (Barry Byers)

Image: Gladiator Trevon Robertson(4) pulled in 5 catches for 27-yards against Hico.

Gladiator Trevon Robertson(4) pulled in 5 catches for 27-yards against Hico. (Barry Byers)

Image: Zain Byers(50) and Ryheem Walker(10) pass protect for Marvin Cox(3).

Zain Byers(50) and Ryheem Walker(10) pass protect for Marvin Cox(3). (Barry Byers)

Image: The Gladiator Regiment Marching Band exits the playing field after dazzling Hico’s fans with their amazing sound.

The Gladiator Regiment Marching Band exits the playing field after dazzling Hico’s fans with their amazing sound. (Barry Byers)

Image: Gladiator Mascot Reagan Adams teams with fellow GRB member Whitney Wolaver.

Gladiator Mascot Reagan Adams teams with fellow GRB member Whitney Wolaver. (Barry Byers)

Image: Alexis Sampley and April Lusk and their band mates dress in full uniform against Hico.

Alexis Sampley and April Lusk and their band mates dress in full uniform against Hico. (Barry Byers)

Image: Haley Benavidez

Haley Benavidez (Barry Byers)

Image: Eli Garcia and Pedro Salazar stand at attention while sporting their band uniforms.

Eli Garcia and Pedro Salazar stand at attention while sporting their band uniforms. (Barry Byers)

Image: Alex Minton and Brenya Williams are proud to be band buds.

Alex Minton and Brenya Williams are proud to be band buds. (Barry Byers)

Image: When 8th grader Blake Brewer is not getting sacks on the grid-iron he plays his sax for the Gladiator Regiment Marching Band.

When 8th grader Blake Brewer is not getting sacks on the grid-iron he plays his sax for the Gladiator Regiment Marching Band. (Barry Byers)

Image: The Color Guard girls are, well, colorful. Paige Little and Alexis Burchett help pump up the Gladiator spirit.

The Color Guard girls are, well, colorful. Paige Little and Alexis Burchett help pump up the Gladiator spirit. (Barry Byers)

Image: Italy’s defense held strong in the first half against Hico to help give Italy an 8-7 halftime advantage.

Italy’s defense held strong in the first half against Hico to help give Italy an 8-7 halftime advantage. (Barry Byers)

Image: Italy’s defense has Hico’s quarterback on the run.

Italy’s defense has Hico’s quarterback on the run. (Barry Byers)

Image: Italy’s Jamal Lewis(21) makes the tackle to end the first half.

Italy’s Jamal Lewis(21) makes the tackle to end the first half. (Barry Byers)

Image: Kevin Roldan(60) and Zain Byers(50) pull around center Kyle Fortenberry(66).

Kevin Roldan(60) and Zain Byers(50) pull around center Kyle Fortenberry(66). (Barry Byers)

Image: Justin Wood(44), Reid Jacinto(11) and Adrian Reed(64) help bring down a Tiger runner.

Justin Wood(44), Reid Jacinto(11) and Adrian Reed(64) help bring down a Tiger runner. (Barry Byers)

Image: Reid Jacinto(11), Justin Wood(44), Marvin Cox(3), Ryheem Walker(10) and Adrian Reed(64) try to find away against Hico’s offense.

Reid Jacinto(11), Justin Wood(44), Marvin Cox(3), Ryheem Walker(10) and Adrian Reed(64) try to find away against Hico’s offense. (Barry Byers)

Image: Chase Hamilton(2) and Reid Jacinto(11) combine to stop a Tiger.

Chase Hamilton(2) and Reid Jacinto(11) combine to stop a Tiger. (Barry Byers)

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