With a 40-6 win over the Denbigh Patriots this past Friday, the Gloucester Dukes secured their first winning football season since 1988. This win set the stage for a matchup with Warwick that will determine Gloucester’s playoff destiny.

Though it was Senior Night, a sophomore made the first impact play for Gloucester, as linebacker Adam Eckstein picked off a pass on the first play of the game for the Dukes. 

On the ensuing offensive possession Malakyi Cooke made quick work of the Denbigh defense, rushing for a touchdown mere minutes into the contest. After a blocked extra point, the Dukes led, 6-0.

The Gloucester defensive unit would not see much time on the field the following possession, as defensive end Destin Forrest quickly recovered a fumble to return the ball to the home team.

Isaiah Lester called his own number on the Dukes’ second score of the game, running the ball in. Cooke followed with another rushing score to put Gloucester up, 21-0, at the end of t...