Gladiators drop season opener to Kerens

Image: Senior tailback, Hunter Merimon(3) searches for a running lane behind the blocking of Ty Fernandez(64), Coby Jeffords(10) and Colin Newman(76) during Italy’s 2014 season opener against the Kerens Bobcats.

Senior tailback, Hunter Merimon(3) searches for a running lane behind the blocking of Ty Fernandez(64), Coby Jeffords(10) and Colin Newman(76) during Italy’s 2014 season opener against the Kerens Bobcats. (Barry Byers)

Image: Italy varsity cheerleader Kirby Nelson attempts to vogue the Gladiators to a victory.

Italy varsity cheerleader Kirby Nelson attempts to vogue the Gladiators to a victory. (Barry Byers)

Image: Against Kerens, senior fullback Coby Jeffords(10) clears a path for freshman tailback Kendrick Norwood(4). The Bobcat Jeffords was blocking was sent flying out of frame.

Against Kerens, senior fullback Coby Jeffords(10) clears a path for freshman tailback Kendrick Norwood(4). The Bobcat Jeffords was blocking was sent flying out of frame. (Barry Byers)

Image: Gladiator receiver Clayton Miller(6) blocks downfield for teammate Joe Celis(8).

Gladiator receiver Clayton Miller(6) blocks downfield for teammate Joe Celis(8). (Barry Byers)

Image: Gladiator quarterback Joe Celis(8) finally finds a running lane in the fourth-quarter against Kerens.

Gladiator quarterback Joe Celis(8) finally finds a running lane in the fourth-quarter against Kerens. (Barry Byers)

Image: Senior right offensive guard Colin Newman(76) zeroes in on a Bobcat defenseman.

Senior right offensive guard Colin Newman(76) zeroes in on a Bobcat defenseman. (Barry Byers)

Image: That moment you realize you just broke the cymbol!!! In her excitement, Gladiator Regiment Band member Reagan Adams realizes something very bad has happened.

That moment you realize you just broke the cymbol!!! In her excitement, Gladiator Regiment Band member Reagan Adams realizes something very bad has happened. (Barry Byers)

Image: Cody Boyd(15), Clay Riddle(77), Aaron Pittmon(65) and Kyle Fortenberry(66) open a hole for fullback Coby Jeffords(10).

Cody Boyd(15), Clay Riddle(77), Aaron Pittmon(65) and Kyle Fortenberry(66) open a hole for fullback Coby Jeffords(10). (Barry Byers)

Image: Gladiator senior center Kyle Fortenberry(66) tries to spring freshman runner Kyle Tindol(12) who is being tracked by a pack of Bobcats.

Gladiator senior center Kyle Fortenberry(66) tries to spring freshman runner Kyle Tindol(12) who is being tracked by a pack of Bobcats. (Barry Byers)

Image: The Gladiator Regiment Band is even loud when they are not playing their instruments.

The Gladiator Regiment Band is even loud when they are not playing their instruments. (Barry Byers)

Image: Ashlyn Jacinto and Jozie Perkins combine to create a Super-Cheerleader!

Ashlyn Jacinto and Jozie Perkins combine to create a Super-Cheerleader! (Barry Byers)

Image: Italy’s Joe Celis(10) connects on a pass with teammate Coby Jeffords(10).

Italy’s Joe Celis(10) connects on a pass with teammate Coby Jeffords(10). (Barry Byers)

Image: Italy’s Coby Jeffords(10) picks up 10 yards and a first down on a pass play.

Italy’s Coby Jeffords(10) picks up 10 yards and a first down on a pass play. (Barry Byers)

Image: Cheer coach Jenna Chambers is enjoying the game.

Cheer coach Jenna Chambers is enjoying the game. (Barry Byers)

Image: Gladiator freshman Kendrick Norwood(4) fights for extra yards against the Kerens’ defense. Norwood had 6 carries for 31 yards.

Gladiator freshman Kendrick Norwood(4) fights for extra yards against the Kerens’ defense. Norwood had 6 carries for 31 yards. (Barry Byers)

Image: Flag Corp Lady Gladiators Kylee Dabney and Kayla Cunningham are just happy the season is underway.

Flag Corp Lady Gladiators Kylee Dabney and Kayla Cunningham are just happy the season is underway. (Barry Byers)

Image: Gladiator Regiment Band members played loud and cheered louder!

Gladiator Regiment Band members played loud and cheered louder! (Barry Byers)

Image: Italy cheerleaders Ashlyn Jacinto, Kirby Nelson and Halee Turner are ready for the fourth-quarter.

Italy cheerleaders Ashlyn Jacinto, Kirby Nelson and Halee Turner are ready for the fourth-quarter. (Barry Byers)

Image: Kendrick Norwood(4) avoids a Bobcat tackler for additional yardage.

Kendrick Norwood(4) avoids a Bobcat tackler for additional yardage. (Barry Byers)

Image: David De La Hoya(56) is set to go from his defensive end position.

David De La Hoya(56) is set to go from his defensive end position. (Barry Byers)

Image: Clay Riddle(77) gets some advice from, line coach, Jon Proud.

Clay Riddle(77) gets some advice from, line coach, Jon Proud. (Barry Byers)

Image: Ty Fernandez(64) manhandles a Bobcat defenseman.

Ty Fernandez(64) manhandles a Bobcat defenseman. (Barry Byers)

Image: Superhuman John Escamilla(50) blocked 3 point after kicks by the Bobcats. The third block was nullified by an offsides penalty charged to Italy.

Superhuman John Escamilla(50) blocked 3 point after kicks by the Bobcats. The third block was nullified by an offsides penalty charged to Italy. (Barry Byers)

Image: Football in Texas — Water bottles and cowboy boots.

Football in Texas — Water bottles and cowboy boots. (Barry Byers)

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