Bonus images from Friday’s game between Italy and Hico
Italy quarterback/running back TaMarcus Sheppard warms up his passing arm before the game against Hico. (Barry Byers)
Italy — The Hico Tigers got the win over Italy but the Gladiators didn’t go down without a fight. Senior linebacker Shad Newman, fellow linebackers Kyle Fortenberry, Hunter Merimon and TaMarcus Sheppard, along with Italy’s intimidating defensive front of John Byers, Darol Mayberry, Kevin Roldan and Zain Byers did all they could against Hico’s potent offensive attack but the Tigers were just relentless with their ground game.
Even with additional help from linebacker Coby Bland and linemen Cody Medrano, Tyler Vencill and Bailey Walton, the Tigers penetrated Italy’s defensive wall effectively to keep their undefeated 6-0 record intact and hand Italy a 47-13 loss.
Looking ahead, the 1-4 Gladiators will have a chance to return to the win column against a struggling Itasca squad who certainly misses Sheppard who played for the Wampus Cats last season.
Friday night’s opening district game starts at 7:30 p.m. in Itasca. Make the trip and be a part of the excitement!
The photos posted with this article were taken using the new state-of-the-art camera which was purchased with the help of Italy Neotribune readers. Thanks everyone for the donations and we hope you enjoy the photos!