Sports

Dukes Secure Win Against Monarchs

By Reporter Makenna Keyes

On September 20, 2019, Gloucester Dukes came up with their second victory of the season, strongly beating the Monarchs, 21-11. In a game prediction, Gloucester was expected to lose in a close match.

Gloucester won the opening toss and elected to defer to the second half, letting their defense set the tone to open the game. The Dukes defense did a great job on keeping the Monarchs offense from scoring on their first possession and continued to play like a wall throughout the game.

Sophomore defensive back K.J. Williams would pick off a pass in the first five minutes into the game to give the home squad an early shot of momentum and starting the Dukes of on a powerful start to the game.

Senior Isaiah Lester started off with an excellent pass to Williams, putting the Dukes on the Monarchs 2-yard line. Leading Malakyi Cooke to a rushing touchdown, bringing Gloucester up 6-0. The extra point kick was good, making Gloucester lead 7-0.

Menchville ended up getting inside Glouceter’s 20-yard line. The Dukes defense stood strong and did not allow the Monarchs to score a touchdown forcing them to kick a field goal bringing the score 7-3.

Throughout the middle of the second quarter Gloucester defense holds Menchville from getting a first down and being forced to punt the ball back to the Dukes. The punt was blocked by Destin Forrest and Julian Hogge making the Dukes have the ball on Menchville’s 45-yard line.

Before the end of the half, Lester throws an incredible 36-yard touchdown pass to Mumford who beats his defender on the man-to-man coverage. Gloucester then kicks a good extra point kick, extending the Duke’s lead 14-3.

Just minutes later Mumford comes up with an interception in the red zone on the 7-yard line and Dukes take over.

Sadly after a great defensive play, with under a minute left in the second quarter the Monarchs take Lester down and get a safety to add on 2 more points for Menchville making the score 14-5.

Menchville had been struggling the whole first half to get a touchdown due to the intense defense of Gloucester. Dukes defense was holding the star running back of the Monarchs to under 100 yards what he was predicted to do.

Early in the third quarter, thanks to the several long runs done by Cooke, Lester was able to have a 1-yard rushing touchdown and giving the Dukes early momentum in the second half. Gloucester carried on the lead 21-5 following the extra point.

Halfway through the third quarter Mumford comes up with his second interception off a Menchville pass.

Before the third quarter comes to an end the Dukes fumble the ball and is recovered by the Monarchs on the 39-yard line.

In the beginning of the fourth, Menchville gets inside the Dukes 20. Just as the Monarchs start getting their momentum back, sophomore Sebastain Harris comes up with an interception.

In the middle of the fourth Menchville throws a 13-yard pass touchdown to get their first touchdown of the game. The Gloucester defense holds the Monarchs from getting the 2-point conversion and bringing the score to 21-11.

Cooke ended the game with 115 rushing yards on six carries and a touchdown in the victory and was also named Offensive Player of the Week by his coaches.

The Dukes are now hold the fourth spot in the Peninsula District and move 2-2 for the season. Go Dukes!