Are you ready for some Gladiator Football!!! Attached are this year’s schedules for the varsity, JV and junior high teams. Newly hired HFC/AD Charles Tindol is ready to keep the recent success of the Gladiators rolling after back-to-back district championships and a State semifinal finish in 2012.

Coach Tindol will have five All-District performers returning from last season to build around. On offense, Zain Byers (sr.) was a unanimous 1st Team lineman, Kevin Roldan (sr.) was a unanimous 1st Team kicker and Darol Mayberry was a 2nd Team lineman.

Defensively, Byers was a unanimous 1st Team defensive end, Shadrach Newman (sr.) was a 1st Team inside linebacker and Hunter Merimon (so.) was a 2nd Team outside linebacker. Newman was the defense’s second leading tackler this past season while Byers earned All-State honors.

A key advantage for Italy this season will be a somewhat settled offensive line after experiencing several position changes early in 2012. Despite losing last year’s lone senior offensive lineman, Zackery Boykin, Italy returns five starters from their semifinal team with Cody Medrano (sr.), Mayberry, Roldan, Byers and Kyle Fortenberry (jr.) who really stepped up for Italy in 2012 as a sophomore center. Fortenberry was especially effective when the offense was in the spread formation as the one they call “Catfish” proved to be a reliable snapper out of the shotgun. 2012 JV squad members Colin Newman and Justin Robbins will help round out Italy’s offensive line.

Question marks for Italy will be the quarterback position, backfield weapons and receivers. From last year’s JV squad, 6’,2" Ryan Connor would be able to take the snaps or catch the passes while Newman and Merimon will likely be primary ball carriers. Tyler Anderson (sr.) also ran the offense during spring practices. With several potential quarterbacks/receivers expected to attend training camp, Coach Tindol will have many options to choose from for the quarterback’s job but will have to decide quickly with a new offensive system to put in place. Levi McBride (so.) worked his way into the starting lineup as a slot receiver last season as a freshman and could be valuable asset to the offense, along with Trevon Robertson, with several receiver spots up for grabs.

McBride was also used on special teams along with Shad Newman and Medrano who has a knack for making open field tackles inn the kicking game. John Escamilla (jr.) and Ty Windham (so.) also gained experience on special teams last season during Italy’s playoff run as did Cody Boyd (jr.) who also helped out on defense when needed. As JV players, Escamilla was savvy near the LOS on defense while Windham and Clayton Miller were handy as pass receivers.

For Italy to be successful in 2013 they will likely need help from their sophomore and freshman classes who will need to be ready to step in and perform at a high level at any moment. Good luck to our gridiron heroes as they begin two-a-day workouts in a few short weeks!

Go Gladiators!!!

All schedules are subject to change. These schedules are all included on our Community Calendar. We will update the Community Calendar in the event that we are notified of any changes.