Mathews High School football players run through a drill last Thursday on the school’s practice field. Head coach Ryan Wenner, who begins his third year at the helm of the varsity squad, will look to improve on last year’s 2-8 record. Approximately 44 varsity and JV players were suited up last week; Wenner expects to boost those numbers to about 50 before the first game. The varsity will have its first scrimmage on Friday evening, when the team travels to Cumberland High School. The JV team opens the season on Aug. 26 at home against Northampton, also starting at 6. The MHS varsity season opener will be two days later, on Aug. 28, at the Eastern Shore school. The Blue Devils’ varsity home opener is set for Sept. 3 against Middlesex. Photo by Charlie Koenig ...