Italy defeats Frost 35-19 at Willis Field

Barry Byers Posted October 3, 2014 3:00pm Additional Images

Image: One last block by backside offensive tackle John Byers(60) helps teammate Coby Jeffords(10) finish off a 63-yard touchdown run against Frost. — One last block by backside offensive tackle John Byers(60) helps teammate Coby Jeffords(10) finish off a 63-yard touchdown run against Frost. (Barry Byers)

Italy — A great win deserves another look with the Gladiators taking care care of business against Frost this past Friday night under the lights. The pictures revealed plenty of downfield blocking by Italy that resulted in a huge game for senior tailback Coby Jeffords who rushed 22 times for 256 yards and 5 touchdowns.

With the 35-19 victory over Frost, Italy is 1-0 in district and is the favorite to win entering their next district contest against Meridian.

Go Gladiators!

Gladiators Jack Hernandez(80) and Aaron Latimer(21) get a little help from their friends as they swarm a Frost ball carrier. (Barry Byers)

Gladiator Fabian Cortez(11) captures a Polar Bear on the loose. (Barry Byers)

Sacrificing for his team, Gladiator linebacker Kyle Fortenberry(66) reaches out while being blocked to make a one-armed tackle against Frost. (Barry Byers)

Italy’s Kyle Fortenberry(66) finishes off a tackle against a hapless Frost ball carrier. (Barry Byers)

Italy defensive end David De La Hoya(56) fights off a block to make a tackle. (Barry Byers)

Clayton Miller(6) returns the kickoff for the Gladiators. (Barry Byers)

Fabian Cortez(11) hauls in a pass and then uses his blockers downfield as Kyle Tindol(12) and Clayton Miller(6) help Cortez pick up 9 yards. (Barry Byers)

Gladiator Ryan Connor(7) checks with the ref for for alignment before running a pass route. (Barry Byers)

Italy HS cheerleader Brooke DeBorde keeps an eye on her guys while snapping her fingers. (Barry Byers)

Italy HS cheerleader Annie Perry and the Gladiators found their groove against Frost. (Barry Byers)

More downfield blocking by Kyle Tindol(12) and Ryan Connor(7) paves the way for Coby Jeffords(10) and another long gainer for the Gladiators. (Barry Byers)

Joe Celis(8) joins the convoy as Kyle Tindol(12) keeps on blocking and Coby Jeffords(10) jeeps on trucking for the Gladiators. (Barry Byers)

Freshman guard Clay Riddle(77) earns his stripes in the trenches for the Gladiators. (Barry Byers)

Birdie Bell is a rowdy crowd all on her own as the Gladiators prepare to kickoff. (Barry Byers)

Italy’s Clayton Miller(6) brings down a Polar Bear with Frost needing a score. (Barry Byers)

Gladiator legend Don Watt(40) was on hand to witness a mighty effort by his former team against Frost. Once a Gladiator, always a Gladiator! (Barry Byers)

Kyle Fortenberry(66), Clay Riddle(77) and David De La Hoya(56) pressure the Frost quarterback. (Barry Byers)

Italy’s Clay Riddle(77) is pumped after sacking Frost’s quarterback for a loss. (Barry Byers)

A diving block by Clay Riddle(77) slows up three Polar Bear chasers as Coby Jeffords(10) takes advantage for more yards. (Barry Byers)

Once known as the, “Unknown Gladiator,” Italy’s Coby Jeffords(10) has become a household name after his 256 rushing yards and 5 touchdown performance against Frost. (Barry Byers)

That’s Italy’s Austin Crawford(55) reaching the Frost quarterback to force an arrant throw and an interception late in the fourth-quarter. (Barry Byers)

Returning an interception for the Gladiators is freshman linebacker Kendrick Norwood(4) to finish off the Polar Bears. (Barry Byers)

Proud mom, Misty Escamilla poses with her two sons, John “J.T.” Escamilla(50), a senior, and Gary Escamilla(9), a freshman. Both brothers entered the game against Frost for the Gladiators. (Barry Byers)