Italy running back Jaiden Barr breaks free for a big gain Friday against Cayuga. (Fred Phipps/KBEC Sports)

Italy rolls Cayuga to continue unblemished district record ahead of 2A football playoffs

Travis M. Smith October 31, 2021 Football, Italy High School 1,445 Views

The Italy Gladiators rolled Cayuga 56-0 Friday night at Gladiator Stadium. The win improved the Gladiators to 7-2 on the season and 4-0 in District 8-2A.

Dave Campbell’s Texas Football computer projections listed Italy as a 35-point favorite. The Gladiators have won their past two contests against Cayuga and Axtell by a combined 117-6.

Under head coach Craig Horn, the Gladiators have now won 12 consecutive district games dating back to 2019. Horn took over the Italy sidelines ahead of the 2018 season and finished his first campaign with a 4-6 overall record and 3-3 mark in district play.

Horn and the Gladiators are 24-8 over the past three seasons and have dropped just one district game in 15 tries. Horn is currently 28-15 overall with Italy, including 17-4 in district action with four playoff berths (1 win, 2019 v Valley Mills).

Italy will travel to (3-6, 2-2) Dawson to close out the regular season Friday, Nov. 5. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m.

The Gladiators’ two non-district losses this season came against Chilton (28-27) and No. 1 Mart (40-7). Italy was dealing with health-and-safety protocols and a myriad of injuries during both losses.

District 8-2A Division I standings

School Name	*W-L	*Pct.	*PF	*PA	W-L	Pct.	PF	PA	Strk
Italy	4-0	1.000	185	27	7-2	0.778	363	123	4 W
Marlin	3-1	0.750	110	30	6-3	0.667	267	141	3 W
Cayuga	2-2	0.500	73	144	2-7	0.222	147	318	1 L
Dawson	2-2	0.500	104	70	3-6	0.333	204	213	2 L
Kerens	1-3	0.250	46	150	2-7	0.222	87	326	1 W
Axtell	0-4	0.000	98	195	2-7	0.222	225	380	4 L