If former Dallas Cowboy and Italy High School graduate Keith Davis isn’t enough to draw you to the Dairyland donkey basketball game Saturday, then maybe the cheerleaders will – or maybe not!

These cheerleaders are not your average cheerleaders. The all-star cast consists of Barry “Beautiful” Bassett, “Luscious” Lee Joffre, Larry “Legs” Eubanks, Russ “Rosie” Lewis, Paul “Cutie” Cockerham, Sal “Smokin’” Ramirez, “Lovely” Larry Mayberry and Mark “Sassy” Stiles. You won’t want to miss this special bevy of beauties.

The games, sponsored by the Italy Gladiator Band Boosters, are scheduled for Saturday, April 6, at 6 p.m. in the Italy Gladiator Dome.

There will be four teams playing with the two winning teams playing for the championship.

Davis will be coaching the Champs of ’97, members of the Italy High School State Basketball Champions. Members include Davis, Jontae Anderson, Nick Cooper, Jordan Droll, Jason Murray, Sam Owens, M.D. Shelby, Edwin Wallace, Kenneth Wallace, Jason Uehlinger and Jordan Hugghins.

IHS band director Jesus Perez will be coaching the Arse-Kickers team. Members include Joseph Barrett, pastor of Central Baptist Church; Stevan & Kim Varner, owners of Varner Alon; Doug Nelson, Brett Kirton, Joe Celis, Devonteh Williams and Maddy Washington.

The Guns-N-Hoses team will feature local police officers and firefighters. Led by Josh Droll, the team consists of Jackie Cate, Dennis Perkins Jr., Shawn Martin, Shelbee Landon, Ronda Cockerham, Daniel Pitts, Jasenio Anderson and Colton Campbell.

Hollywood’s Heroes include Coach Jessika Robinson, Coach Josh Ward, Coach Nathan Skelton, Marvin Cox, Cole Hopkins, Jaclynn Lewis, Adrian Reed, Zack Boykin, Reid Jacinto, Caden Jacinto, Alyssa Richards and Coach Hank Hollywood

Advance tickets are $6 and are available from Leslie Allen and Susan Jacinto at Stafford Elementary or Kim Varner at the high school. Tickets are also available at the Uptown Café, Subway, Pizza Inn, Mansell’s Grocery, First State Bank (Italy location), Italy Auto Parts, Varner Alon and Citizens National Bank (Italy location). Tickets are $8 at the door.

The first 125 students – ages 12 and under — to arrive with a ticket and a parent will receive a ticket to ride the donkeys during the halftime breaks.

There will be a concession stand with hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos and Frito pies.

The first game begins at 6 p.m. but doors open to the public at 5 p.m.

Mark Stiles, band booster president, urges everyone to come out and enjoy this event which promises to be a night of laughs and entertainment safe for the whole family.