Local schools are gearing up for this year’s football season, with the first games for Gloucester and Mathews scheduled for Friday, Aug. 27. In top photo, Mathews head coach Wes Griffith guides his players on the tackling sled during Monday’s practice. The varsity Blue Devils will play a scrimmage with Middlesex at 6 p.m. Friday at Mathews High School; the following Friday, Aug. 27, the Chargers will host Mathews in the season opener. Below, a Gloucester High School freshman punts the ball for the JV Dukes in that team’s Tuesday afternoon practice. Gloucester’s varsity team has a scheduled scrimmage today at Warhill and will kick off its season at home against Hampton on Aug. 27. The JV team will travel to the Crabbers on Aug. 30 for its season opener. Mathews doesn’t have a JV program this year.

TYLER BASS / GAZETTE-JOURNAL
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