Gladiators bombard the Chilton Pirates 34-27 to stay undefeated in district

Barry Byers Posted October 23, 2015 7:45pm Italy Gladiator Football

Image: Here come the Gladiators as they charge on to Willis Field to take on the Chilton Pirates. — Here come the Gladiators as they charge on to Willis Field to take on the Chilton Pirates. (Barry Byers)

Italy, Willis Field — After dedicating Friday night’s game in memory of Markel Holbert, the Italy Gladiators honored him during the ceremonial coin toss as well, with Markel’s mother, Rosalinda Duron, flipping the coin.

By night’s end, the Gladiators, the cheerleaders and the mighty Gladiator Regiment Band managed to win one for Markel by outlasting the Chilton Pirates 34-27 to remain undefeated in district play.

Senior fullback Hunter Merimon rushed for 4 touchdowns and tailback Kendrick Norwood added another. Kicker David De La Hoya went 4-out of-5 on PAT kicks with Joe Celis holding and Hunter Morgan snapping.

Senior quarterback Ryan Connor completed 9-out-of-14 pass for 100 yards with his go to Gladiator, senior receiver Clayton Miller, making a clutch grab in the final moments to help seal the victory.

Good luck to Italy’s Head Coach/AD David Weaver and the Gladiators who will be taking on Hubbard in Jaguar country tonight starting at 7:30 p.m. Both teams are unbeaten in district play so fan support is paramount!

Go Gladiators!!! Beat the Jags!!!

With the Italy Gladiators dedicating last Friday night’s game in memory of Markel Holbert, Markel’s mother Rosalinda Duron flipped the ceremonial coin prior to the game. (Barry Byers)

In support of Markel. (Barry Byers)

Senior quarterback Ryan Connor(7) and the Italy Gladiators rolled up their sleeves and took care of business against Chilton. (Barry Byers)

Offensive guard Clay Riddle(50) cuts down a Pirate to give his QB, Ryan Connor(7) extra time to deliver a pass downfield. (Barry Byers)

Gladiator Kendrick Norwood(10) looks for some daylight under the Friday night lights at Willis Field in Italy. (Barry Byers)

Senior Gladiator receiver Clayton Miller(6) pulls in a catch from quarterback Ryan Connor for a big gain against the Pirates. (Barry Byers)

Italy’s Hunter Merimon(3) carried the load for the Gladiators accounting for 4 touchdowns against the Chilton Pirates. (Barry Byers)

Gladiator Jaray Anderson(21) turns the ball up against the Pirate defense. (Barry Byers)

Defensive end Micah Escamilla(4) brings down a Pirate runner for a loss in the Chilton backfield. (Barry Byers)

Gladiator defender Fabian Cortez(11) beats the block to wrap up a Pirate runner from behind for no gain. (Barry Byers)

The South Family, Tessa, Mike, Frank and Evie enjoys some cushy seating during the game. (Barry Byers)

Go Italy!!!!! (Barry Byers)

The game against Chilton was Pink Out at Willis Field. (Barry Byers)

Clayton Miller(6) leads the way for his brother Hunter Merimon(3) on the way to a Gladiator touchdown. (Barry Byers)

David De La Hoya(75) boots thru the PAT with Joe Celis holding and with Clayton Miller(6) and Eli Garcia(84) blocking. (Barry Byers)

Beast Brothers Austin Pittmon(65) and Aaron Pittmon(72) do everything together wether its taking a water break or winning a football game. Twinning! (Barry Byers)

Chistion Washington(24) lays the boom on a Pirate ball carrier with help from teammate Chris Davila(54). Defensively, Both Washington and Davila answered the bell against Chilton. (Barry Byers)

Kevin Johnson(13) sums up the night for the Gladiators. (Barry Byers)

Italy’s Fabian Cortez(11) sinks a Pirate ball carrier after this hard hit during a kickoff by the Gladiators. (Barry Byers)

Cheerleaders Halee Turner and Karson Holley sport pink pom-poms and pink capes while inspiring the fans and ball players. (Barry Byers)

Italy’s Clayton Miller(6) foils a sure interception by Chilton after he came down with possession of the ball to seal the win. (Barry Byers)

Special thanks to the Gladiator Regiment Band!!!! Thanks for having their backs! (Barry Byers)

Italy Gladiator Head Coach/Ad David Weaver keeps coaching after the game was won knowing their is still work to do. Italy finished the night with a 34-27 win over Chilton to improve to 4-0 in district play. (Barry Byers)