By Travis M. Smith | KBEC Sports
The Italy Gladiators defense held Blooming Grove under 200 yards of offense in a come-from-behind win Friday night.
Italy entered the final 12 minutes of the home game knotted at seven and then scored three touchdowns in the 28-13 victory to improve to 1-2 on the season.
Cahl Horn opened the Italy scoring with a 14-yard touchdown with fewer than two minutes to play in the first half.
With the score tied at seven as the game turned toward the fourth quarter, Creighton Hyles connected with Kort Holley for a 20-yard touchdown pass to put Italy up, 14-7. The ensuing extra-point kick proved to be the game-winner, though Italy was not yet finished scoring.
Hyles first found Jesus Luna for a 20-yard touchdown around the nine-minute mark of the fourth quarter and then rushed across the goal line from 5 yards out to put the Gladiators on top, 28-7. Blooming Grove added a touchdown late for the 28-13 final.
Italy will travel to Marlin for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff Friday.
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Travis M. Smith, @Travis5mith
tsmith@kbec.com