Gloucester Dukes Sports

Can Dukes' continue to move forward?

Looking over their shoulder at the Granby win may be a motivator, but the Dukes' know that to win tomorrow night against Bethel they'll have to focus and work harder.  It might help that Bethel's offense is struggling on the ground  and only returns one offensive starter.  However, the Dukes' know they "need to execute a lot better" than they did in last week's game, according to senior, Robbie Freiermuth.

Maybe the one lesson the Dukes' have learned from the last three weeks, is that despite adversity you have continue to work together as a team.  Seniors Shamar Marsh, Dion Harris, and Friermuth all agree with fellow teammate and senior, A.J. Hamilton that they "won because they came together for a common goal".

J.B. Bennett will have to continue to lead the improvement seen in the defensive squad if the Dukes' want to continue to win.  Bennett had a pivotal interception in the end zone against Granby, but as the team will tell you "that was last week".

The Dukes play at home tomorrow night beginning at 7.  The annual Hall of Fame athletic inductions will be held tomorrow night at halftime so maybe that will be added motivation and provide an even larger fan base.

Read Dave Johnson's story of Coach Sonny Merchant's reaction to the Granby win in his blog from  September 21st.

http://weblogs.dailypress.com/sports/highschool/peninsulablog/2010/09/gloucester_coach_proud_of_his.html

 

Tarpey leads in Dukes win over Granby

Dukes broke their 12-game losing streak by beating Granby 24-13. Visit the blog on Tuesday for more details, including quotes from players and coaches. 

Read the rest of the story here: Daily Press Coverage of Dukes' Win

Focusing on the positives

There are some things certain in life,  of course death and taxes topping the list.  According to Dave Johnson, Gloucester football ending the season in 10^th place seems to be a given too.  Granted, our history probably gives credence to his pick. 

As the season opens tomorrow night in our stadium against Dave's number 1 pick and back to back state champions Phoebus, lets focus on the positives:

1. Despite our history, our community continues to support the program in home attendance. Phoebus fans may consider it a pretty boring game and just too far to travel for this one.
2. Coach Sonny Merchant is still here.  Merchant begins year 3 and is driven by the motivating force to turn Gloucester football around.  He has no hidden agenda and he's a solid addition to Gloucester High School.
3. Despite the win/loss record, knowledgeable football fans can see improvement in player skill sets, team effort, and fortitude.
4. The best changes come with time.

With the hopes that Hurricane Earl's threat level drops from medium to low, we hope to see you out at GHS stadium, 7 pm, Thursday.

 

Welcome to the Gloucester Dukes Sports blog!!

The Dukes are looking forward to an exciting 2010-11 season.