For the first time in a few weeks, the Cumberland High School football team didn't have trouble in the first quarter of a game, and the results, though still a loss (a 25-14 defeat to Amelia), showed an improvement.

“This time it was the third quarter that we had trouble with, but we didn't dig a big hole in the first,” said CHS head coach David Sullivan. “We came in ready to play, and when Amelia went ahead, it was because we were being aggressive.”

The Raiders went up 7-0 on a screen pass.

“They caught us in a blitz, and scored,” said Sullivan. “That was a good call on their part to catch us in a blitz, but that's going to happen. I'm glad we were able to answer them.”

Cumberland went ahead 8-7 following a pass from Bo Winbush to Davon Taylor for a 47-yard touchdown. Winbush ran in the two-point try to give the Dukes the one-point lead.

Amelia scored just before the half to take a 14-8 lead at the break, and went to the ground to build a comfortable lead.

“They went to our weakness in the third quarter,” said Sullivan. “They ran right at us. We're pretty good at defending the pass, but we've had trouble defending the run, and it's something we know we're going to have to really work on in the offseason.”

Amelia jumped ahead 25-8, before Winbush capped a long drive in the fourth quarter with a two-yard score.

“We were playing a lot of players out of position, because of injuries. On the whole, I am happy with how they approached it. Those kids played their butts off, even though they may not have played that position before.”

Cumberland is more than likely eliminated from playoff contention. The Dukes will host Nottoway in their season finale.

“It will be our bowl game,” said Sullivan. “That's how we're treating it. We want to send our seniors out on a good note, and give our returning players something that they can use as they prepare for the next season.

“A win will make it a lot easier for our players when it comes time to hit the weight room in January.”