The Cumberland High School football team completed its three-week run through Goochland, Buckingham and Amelia with a 35-0 loss to the Raiders last Friday night in Amelia.

All things considered, CHS head coach Michael Sutton wasn't too disappointed in the Dukes' defensive performance.

“After our first series, we weren't really able to move the ball that well against them,” said Sutton. “That was frustrating, but our defense played well, considering how long it was on the field.”

Amelia went up 21-0 on a jump ball pass in the end zone for a touchdown late in the second quarter, which for all intents and purposes put the game out of reach in a game of fumbles by both teams.

“We had four fumbles in the first half, and they fumbled too, but not as often and it didn't hurt them too much.”

Cumberland moved the ball to the Amelia ten-yard-line on its first offensive series, but fumbled away its chance to take an early lead.

“It was frustrating. It would've been big and bizarre for us to have the lead in the first quarter. From there, we just had too many three-and-outs and not enough first downs.”

Cumberland will wrap up its regular-season campaign at Nottoway this Friday night at 7 p.m. The two teams carry identical 2-7 records into the contest. Despite their record, the Dukes are still alive for a playoff spot.

“If we win, we're in,” said Sutton. “That's our focus. Nottoway's record doesn't indicate how good they are. Like us, they're playing in a ridiculously tough league this year. We will have our work cut out for us.”

Due to its strength of schedule, even if Cumberland loses, the Dukes could still make the playoffs with some help.

“We're not worried about that. We're approaching this game as we need to win. A win would do so much for us. Not only for our confidence, but for our playoff seeding as well.”