More action shots from Italy’s district opener win over Itasca
Italy senior Darol Mayberry(58) and his teammates prepare for the second-half. (Barry Byers)
Itasca — Italy is currently in a 3-way tie for 1st place with Cayuga and Crossroads after their district opening 46-6 win over Itasca.
The Gladiator offensive line consisting of center Kyle Fortenberry, guards Darol Mayberry and Zain Byers, and tackles Cody Medrano and Kevin Roldan, helped pave the way for Italy’s offensive barrage that resulted in 617 total yards and 7 touchdowns by 5 different players. Quarterback TaMarcus Sheppard rushed for 3 touchdowns, Levi McBride caught one, Trevon Robertson caught one and backs Shad Newman and Coby Bland both rushed for one touchdown each.
Defensively, the Gladiators created turnover opportunities. Zain Byers terrorized Itasca’s backfield recording one sack and causing a fumble that was recovered by the Wampus Cats and both Cody Boyd and Clayton Miller had interceptions for Italy’s potent defense. Defensive end Bailey Walton added a batted down ball as line mates Mayberry, Roldan, John Byers, Colin Newman, and Tyler Vencill helped to get the job done up front.
Linebackers Newman, who had a near pick, Bland, who was a beast in the middle, Fortenberry, Sheppard and Medrano played with a seek-and-destroy mentality. Safeties Ryan Connor, Robertson and Miller were not needed that often in defending Itasca’s run game but made the plays when needed, as did corners Boyd and McBride.
Enjoy additional photos from Italy’s win over Itasca. The Gladiators are now 2-4 on the season and 1-0 in district play.