Gloucester High School took an early lead, but saw it disappear in the second half as the Dukes lost to Warwick, 24-7, on Saturday to conclude a winless 2012 Peninsula District football season.

James Scott scored for Gloucester on a short run early in the first quarter and the Dukes’ defense maintained the 7-0 advantage into the second half. The Raiders tied it, 7-7, in the third quarter and took over in the fourth with a pair of unanswered touchdowns and a field goal to make it 24-7.

It was a rough season for the Dukes, who were unable generate any offense this season. Gloucester only reached the end zone in two of its 10 games and was spared a shutout several times due to the field-goal kicking of Jackson Lowther.

Gloucester also lost coach Sonny Merchant with four games remaining on the schedule. Merchant resigned after a 60-0 homecoming loss to Hampton and parent complaints to the Gloucester County School Board that he was abusive toward his players. Assistant coach and defense coordinator Ken Hardcastle took over after Merchant’s departure.

To view this article in its entirety, subscribe here. Already an online subscriber? Login Here