Last week it looked like the Dukes would face Indian River, but after Hampton fell to Norview, 13-8, last Thursday, Gloucester’s football playoff picture changed to a rematch with the Crabbers. 

Gloucester lost to Hampton, 46-0, on Oct. 30 and will travel back to Darling Stadium to meet the Crabbers at 7 p.m. Friday in the Dukes’ first playoff appearance in 29 years.

Hampton finished at 7-3 and holds the third seed in Region 5A. Gloucester, with a 5-5 record, holds the sixth seed. Indian River, also at 7-3, is the top-seeded team. 

Gloucester was still a VHSL Group AA school back in 1988 when the 4-6 Dukes faced Tabb in the opening round of the Region I, Division 4 playoffs. Powered by Terry Kirby, who broke the state touchdown record with four in the game, the Tigers eliminated the Dukes, 45-14.

The 2017 Dukes hope for better results Friday, with heavily recruited senior quarterback Isaiah Spencer and first-year head coach John Scalf looking for a playoff win...