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Earlier this fall, Cumberland High announced that the varsity football program would be suspended for a year. The problem was not enough upperclassmen had joined and so you had a roster mainly made up of 8th and 9th graders taking on players three and four times their size. To both fix that and help build for the future, the decision was made to focus just on the junior varsity this season. 

And this past Thursday, after multiple postponements due to weather, the Dukes finally had their first game of the season. Going on the road to Alta Vista, the junior varsity dominated on defense. All total, Cumberland held the Colonels to less than 50 yards of total offense, with Alta Vista only recording two first downs in four quarters. Otherwise it was three and out each time. 

And yet, despite the defensive achievements, thanks to an offensive fumble which went back for a touchdown, the Dukes found themselves down 8-0 at halftime. 

“After the half, we came out with a different energy and spirit, not letting the score determine our play,” Dukes Coach Josh Fleenor said. 

Cumberland High starts season 1-0

That spirit was highlighted by freshman Xavier Booker, who will be playing some running back this season. Booker took his first carry of the second half and ran it 60 yards for a touchdown. One possession later, Cumberland freshman Neymyah Hill connected with Da’monte Taylor on a pass to give the Dukes a 14-8 lead. The team increased that lead to 28-10, starting off the season 1-0. Up next, the JV Dukes return home to face off this week with Nelson County High. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Cumberland High. 

“It is an honor to be a part of and coach such a dedicated group of young men,” Fleenor said. “Seeing them work hard to reach their goals brings some pride back to the program as we work diligently to redefine Cumberland football. Of course, we wouldn’t be able to do all this without the continuous commitment and support of a great staff, team moms, the community, the rec sports league, and our very own CHS administration.”