Enjoy exciting images from Italy’s Friday night win over Crossroads

Barry Byers Posted October 24, 2013 4:00pm Additional Images

Image: Hunter Merimon(9) takes the handoff from quarterback TaMarcus Sheppard(10) with both Gladiators contributing 421 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns to help Italy post a 2-0 district start. — Hunter Merimon(9) takes the handoff from quarterback TaMarcus Sheppard(10) with both Gladiators contributing 421 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns to help Italy post a 2-0 district start. (Barry Byers)

Crossroads — Enjoy bonus images from Friday night’s game between Italy and Crossroads with the Gladiators holding back a late rally by the Bobcats to win 41-30 and improve to 2-0 in district play.

With mud and poor weather in general as the great equalizer in sports, particularly in football, so Italy’s accomplishment deserves plenty of praise. After slipping and sliding uphill all night, the Gladiators found an unselfish way to win while showing plenty of heart and determination to get the job done.

OTSS (Only The Strong Survive)

Water boy Gary Escamilla was a busy Gladiator Friday night. (Barry Byers)

Jennifer and Michael Chambers, and Richard Dabney show respect to our country’s flag before the kickoff. (Barry Byers)

Junior center Kyle Fortenberry(66) snaps to QB TaMarcus Sheppard(10). Italy’s offense starts right here. (Barry Byers)

Wide shot shows the blocking up front by the Gladiator offensive line. (Barry Byers)

Right guard Zain Byers(50) and center Kyle Fortenberry(66) double-team a Crossroad defensive lineman. (Barry Byers)

TaMarcus Sheppard(10) breaks up a Bobcat pass attempt in the early going. (Barry Byers)

TaMarcus Sheppard(10) completes a pass to his senior target, Trevon Robertson, who makes the catch for 4 yards. (Barry Byers)

During halftime, Madison Washington plays Shenandoa which proved to be fitting considering the battle brewing between Italy and Crossroads. In fact, one Crossroads player was taken to the hospital. (Barry Byers)

Annie Perry on clarinet Ladies and Gentlemen….Perry. (Barry Byers)

Kirby Nelson plays her trumpet during halftime to entertain the Crossroads fans. (Barry Byers)

Kicker Kevin Roldan(77) receives some love from John Byers(56), holder Tyler Anderson(36) and the rest of the guys after booting thru 5-out of-6 point-after kicks on the night. (Barry Byers)

Bailey Walton(52), Levi McBride(85), Kevin Roldan(77) and Kyle Fortenberry(66) congratulate linebacker Shad Newman after he made a key interception to setup Italy’s win sealing touchdown drive. (Barry Byers)

Sticking together thru the bad times, the good times and the mud times. (Barry Byers)

Italy QB TaMarcus Sheppard(10) hands off to fullback Shad Newman(25) who gains 49 yards rushing on the night on 10 carries. (Barry Byers)

Defensive end Zain Byers(50) drops into pass coverage and breaks up a pass attempt to stave off any last minute heroics by the Bobcats. (Barry Byers)

Dylan McCasland(28), Joe Celis(24) and John Byers(56) walk down the midfield stripe to congratulate the Bobcat players on a hard fought effort. (Barry Byers)

A win is a win and the Gladiators have much to be proud of! (Barry Byers)

Tyler “The Diesel” Vencill(65) added muscle to Italy’s offensive line that bullied the Bobcat defensive front most of the game. (Barry Byers)