At Gloucester High School, the boys of fall are back in action.

Following a 2017 campaign that saw the Dukes go 5-5 in the regular season and earn their first playoff berth since the Reagan administration, there is a renewed sense of optimism and vigor surrounding the program.

Head coach John Scalf is looking to build off this previous success but made it clear he and the team are not satisfied being a .500 squad.

“Last year we were 5-5, which to me is still an average season,” he said, “and we don’t want to be average.”

From an unairconditioned cinder-block office next to the locker room, Scalf and his staff prepare for the regular season. Playsheets and equipment occupy much of the table space. A depth chart blocked off with tape adorns the wall nearest the door.

“We are looking to set a standard,” Scalf said. “We want to boost these kids; we don’t try to demoralize them or break them down.”

“This team is a famil...