Bonus images from the Dale Hansen Football Classic
Dale Hansen and the team mascots before the start of the Friday night addition of the inaugural 2012 Dale Hansen Football Classic between Malakoff and Italy. Representing the Gladiators is mascot Reagan Adams. (Barry Byers)
What an experience, what an event and what a night! The Dale Hansen Football Classic lived up to the hype and in the end, all the participating schools and students from Italy, Malakoff, Florence, Thrall, Alvarado and Mexia will carry with them great memories from the inaugural games.
The WFAA Channel 8 commercial promoting the inaugural 2012 Dale Hansen Football Classic.
The 1A Gladiators battled face mask to face mask against the 2A Malakoff Tigers with the score tied 36-36 midway thru the third-quarter. Once the Gladiators became winded, however, the Tigers hit their stride and ripped thru Italy’s defense for four more touchdowns to eventually win the contest 64-36.
In the first half, however, Italy’s offense guided by first-year coordinator Nate Skelton and executed by junior quarterback Eric Carson, set the pace forcing the Tigers to play catchup. Italy jumped out to 15-0 lead and then 22-7. Malakoff took advantage of Gladiator miscues and quickly tied the matchup 22-22. Italy scored again but the Tigers answered to tie the opening game of the classic 29-29 at the break.
Malakoff struck first in the third-quarter to go up 36-29 but Italy retaliated to tie the game for a third time 36-36. When Italy was unable to match the next Tiger touchdown, Malakoff jumped ahead by two touchdowns to lead 50-36 going into the fourth. Italy was unable to gain back the momentum and the Tigers added two more touchdowns in the fourth to win by 28-points.
Despite the lopsided score, Italy’s offense proved it could move the ball and put points on the board. Chase Hamilton and Jalarnce Lewis were outstanding in the kick return department and Ryheem Walker is a weapon carrying the rock for the Gladiators. Trevon Robertson, Hamilton and Cole Hopkins have been outstanding in the passing game.
Head coach Hank Hollywood has been shuffling his offensive and defensive lineman to find the right combination and once that is settled, expect Italy to get back on a winning roll. There is no panic inside the Gladiator training camp. Monday’s practice following the classic was one of their best since two-a-days began back in August.
The Gladiators will play at home Friday, September 14, against the 2A Sunnyvale Raiders starting at 7:30 p.m. at Willis Field.