Additional photos from the Dale Hansen Football Classic

Anne Sutherland Posted September 13, 2012 5:40pm Italy Gladiator Football

Image: The Gladiator sideline impatiently awaits the kickoff between Italy and the Malakoff Tigers in opening game of the inaugural 2012 Dale Hansen Football Classic in Waxahachie. — The Gladiator sideline impatiently awaits the kickoff between Italy and the Malakoff Tigers in opening game of the inaugural 2012 Dale Hansen Football Classic in Waxahachie. (Anne Sutherland)

Waxahachie — Additional photos during the Dale Hansen Football Classic’s opening game between the Italy Gladiators and the Malakoff Tigers this past Friday night. Italy showed they have the ability to score thru the air and on ground during their classic matchup. There were also two games played on Saturday. Alvarado defeated Mexia 56-14 and Florence beat thrall.

Special thanks to the classic title sponsors WFAA, Chick-fil-A of Waxahachie, City Credit Union and H-E-B. Also, special thanks to Waxahachie ISDs Dr. Nicole Mansell who was the 2012 Dale Hansen Football Classic Event Coordinator and the Director of Public Relations/Education Foundation. And last, but not least, Dale Hansen of WFAA Channel 8 for showcasing Texas high school football in Waxahachie.

We are proud of the Italy Gladiator players, coaches, water boys and stat girls, the tunnel crew, the Lady Gladiator Cheerleaders, the Gladiator Regiment Marching Band and Color Guard for representing the Italy ISD with class!

Go Italy!

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Italy sets up for a point after attempt after taking a 6-0 lead against Malakoff. Chase Hamilton(2) was on the receiving end of an Eric Carson pass to score the first points in the history of the classic. (Anne Sutherland)

Gladiator mascot Reagan Adams once appeared in a commercial with Dale Hansen. (Anne Sutherland)

Gladiator fans of all ages were on hand to witness history in the making. (Anne Sutherland)

The Gladiator Regiment Marching Band’s drum major Emily Stiles leads “The Beat Of Champions!” (Anne Sutherland)

The Roldan Family is cheering for Kevin Roldan, a junior member of the Gladiators! (Anne Sutherland)

The Lady Gladiator Cheerleaders keep the spirit up on the sidelines at Stuart B. Lumpkins Stadium in Waxahachie. (Anne Sutherland)

Lee Hamilton and his sister Tracy Hamilton show their support for Lee’s son Chase Hamilton who is a senior athlete for the Gladiators. Lee also played for the Gladiators, just a few years back, and Tracy was a cheerleader. (Anne Sutherland)

Quarterback Eric Carson(12) gains yards for Italy. (Anne Sutherland)

Jalarnce Lewis(21) takes the handoff from Eric Carson(12) and then looks for a running lane. (Anne Sutherland)

Cole Hopkins(9) makes the catch and keeps his foot in bounds for Italy’s second touchdown of the game to give Italy a 15-0 advantage in the first quarter. (Anne Sutherland)

Alumni status: Michael “Taz” Martinez, Larry Mayberry, Jr. and Jasenio “The Beast” Anderson are part of the Gladiator tunnel crew. (Anne Sutherland)

Kevin Roldan(60) kicks off to the Tigers. (Anne Sutherland)

Cornerback Cody Boyd(15) and the Gladiator defense try to tame the Tigers. (Anne Sutherland)

Italy’s Hank Seabolt(76) and his fellow defenders try to keep Malakoff out of the end zone. (Anne Sutherland)

Italy’s defense tries to hold its ground. (Anne Sutherland)

Italy’s Justin Wood(44) snaps to Cole Hopkins(9) who holds for kicker Braulio Luna(56). (Anne Sutherland)

Justin Wood(44) forces Malakoff’s quarterback to throw the ball away. (Anne Sutherland)

The Lady Gladiator Cheerleaders take a moment to watch the game. (Anne Sutherland)

Italy’s Kevin Roldan(60) is ready to kickoff to the Tigers. (Anne Sutherland)

IHS cheerleader Ashlyn Jacinto is also a member of the color guard. (Anne Sutherland)

Zackery Boykin(55) and Cole Hopkins(9) raise the flags and lead the Gladiators out for the second half. (Anne Sutherland)

Gladiator mascot Reagan Adams tries on a larger than life Gladiator helmet. (Anne Sutherland)