Practice began last week for the local high school football teams, with players eager to start another season. In Mathews, head coach Ryan Wenner begins his sophomore season at the helm, looking to improve on last year’s 2-8 record. More than 50 players have turned out for the program this year. Mathews will have its first test this Friday, when the Devils host Hampton Roads Academy in a 5 p.m. scrimmage. The regular season begins on Sept. 5, when the varsity team travels to Middlesex to face the Chargers. In top photo, assistant coach Tony Carlson (sitting on sled) blows the whistle for the linemen to hit the sled. Standing behind him is Wenner. It is also Brandon Kelley’s sophomore season leading the Gloucester football program The Dukes’ head coach had 96 players turn out for the program this year. They host York High School in a scrimmage Friday; the jayvee contest starts at 5 p.m., varsity at 6:30. The regular season begins Aug. 28 Phoebus at home. Below, the GHS...