It was a great win for the Gladiators who rally from behind to win over Gateway
After Gateway put up 24-points in the first-half to lead by seventeen at halftime, linemen Tyler Vencill(65), Colin Newman(76) and Zain Byers(56) were part of an Italy defensive effort that shut-out the Gators in the second-half. The Gladiator offense eventually scored the 3 touchdowns they needed for the comeback win, 28-24. (Barry Byers)
Dallas Gateway — Sometimes, the games you are expected to win can be the hardest to win because it can be difficult to gear up for a lesser opponent. For the Gladiators Friday night at Dallas Gateway, they learned a valuable lesson, “Never underestimate your opponent.”
After a dismal first-half performance by Italy, however, they corrected their mistake and scored three unanswered touchdowns in the second-half to rally for the district win, 28-24, over the upset hopeful Gators.
The unbalanced performance could prove to be a blessing in disguise to keep the Gladiators focused on taking care of business this Friday night against the Kerens Bobcats. It will also be Senior Night for the Gladiators which should give them the emotional edge against the Bobcats in this one.
It will be an opportunity for the Gladiators to claim their third straight district championship and a chance to win their second outright district championship under three separate head coaches.
Head coach Charles Tindol will be in the driver’s seat this time around with league leading rusher TaMarcus Sheppard ready to mash on the gas for the Gladiator offense.