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Return to Gladiators gear up for Playoffs, tune-up against Itasca story

Image: Standing strong

Standing strong Anne Sutherland

Gladiator fans formed a spirit line to help inspire the team to rally in the second half. The Gladiators trailed 30-8 by the end of the third quarter, however, the final score was 30-26 with Italy coming up just short on their comeback effort.

Image: Zach Hernandez

Zach Hernandez

Senior Zach Hernandez is chilling before the Pep Rally on Friday.

Image: We love you so...

We love you so...

Kyle Wilkins(7), Kyle Jackson(28) and Bobby Wilson(64) unite for the school song.

Image: A victory sounds good!

A victory sounds good!

Destani, Lexie and Jaleecia lead a cheer during the Pep Rally as the Gladiator Regiment Band had their back.

Image: The front lines

The front lines Anne Sutherland

Etan Simon(50) prepares to snap while guard ivan Roldan(60) and Tackle Larry Mayberry(77) get ready to fire off and block.

Image: Go Kyle!

Go Kyle! Anne Sutherland

Sophomore Kyle Jackson(28) has added another dimension to the Gladiator offense.

Image: What a play!

What a play! Anne Sutherland

Quarterback Jasenio Anderson(11) avoids the sack and completes a pass to Heath Clemons(2) in the endzone for 6-points. The second quarter play made the score 16-6 in favor of Itasca.

Image: Here they come...

Here they come... Anne Sutherland

The Gladiators came back strong after halftime despite being dow 16-8 at the break.

Image: Mascot mania!

Mascot mania! Anne Sutherland

Dan Crownover and Matt Brummett do a little spirit dance for the crowd.

Image: Cat jumping

Cat jumping Anne Sutherland

Italy’s kickoff unit tackles the Itasca runner before he can do any damage.

Image: Nowhere to hide

Nowhere to hide Anne Sutherland

Jonathan Nash(65), Zach Hernandez(63), Bobby Wilson(64), Kyle Wilkins(7) and Ethan Simon(50) try to slow down Itasca’s speed backs.

Image: Here, kitty, kitty...

Here, kitty, kitty... Anne Sutherland

Jonathan Nash(65), Zach Hernandez(63), Heath Clemons(2), Kyle Wilkins(7) and Jasenio Anderosn(11) converge on the Cats.

Image: Play action pass

Play action pass Anne Sutherland

Jasenio Anderson(11) drops back in the pocket and looks for an open receiver.

Image: Itasca blocks

Itasca blocks Anne Sutherland

Itasca’s Gregory Mason(13) knocks down a pass intended for Italy’s John Isaac(10) who was able to grab Mason’s arm to keep him from making the pick.

Image: Fourth Quarter

Fourth Quarter Anne Sutherland

The Gladiators head Into the last quarter of the game against Itasca.

Image: Crowd noise!

Crowd noise! Anne Sutherland

The Gladiator fans continue to urge the team on to victory.

Image: Dez does it

Dez does it Anne Sutherland

Italy’s Senior Desmond Anderson(8) steps on the sideline after bringing in a pass from Junior Jasenio Anderson, Desmond’s cousin.

Image: Clemons confuses Cats

Clemons confuses Cats Anne Sutherland

Heath Clemons(2) picks up nice yardage on a trick play by Italy.

Image: Endzone battle

Endzone battle Anne Sutherland

Jasenio Anderson runs the old “quarterback keeper” play toward Itasca’s endzone.

Image: You've done well

You've done well Anne Sutherland

Make no mistake, Coach Bales and his assistant coaches let the boys know they are ready for playoffs.

Image: Jaleecia and Destani

Jaleecia and Destani Anne Sutherland

Two friends take time for a photograph.

Image: Still friends

Still friends Anne Sutherland

Itasca’s Gregory Mason(13) and our boys Tavarus Griffin(85), Aaron Thomas(9), Jonothan Nash(65) and Desmond Anderson(8) are still friends long after the battle is over.

Image: Playoff Bound

Playoff Bound

The Friday pep rally was a fun time for all as the Gladiators gear up for the playoffs.

Image: Going toward Playoffs

Going toward Playoffs Anne Sutherland

The referee asks Coach Craig Bales which way is his team headed and Coach lets the ref know Italy’s headed to the playoffs. Italy will play Lovelady in Fairfield on Friday, November 13 starting at 7:30 p.m. – Go Gladiators!

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