Events off the field contributed to a 46-12 home loss for Cumberland High School’s varsity football team as it faced Amelia County High School on Friday.

“We had a little trouble before the game started, and our starting quarterback and free safety Brandon Leabough was not available to play the game,” Dukes Head Coach Edgar Knapp said, later confirming Leabough’s absence was due to disciplinary reasons.

Despite coming out flat because of the shake-up that occurred about 90 minutes before the game, Cumberland trailed only 12-6 after a rushing touchdown by Dukes junior Darron Ridley in the second quarter.

Not long after, Cumberland was driving with a chance to tie the score when it turned the ball over on an interception that was returned for a touchdown, making the score 20-6 at halftime.

In the third quarter, the Dukes committed penalties, and they lost the ball on a fumble that was returned for a touchdown.

Cumberland trailed 32-6 entering the fourth quarter but got its second touchdown when senior Jamie Trent scored on a sweep around the end of the line from about 10 yards out.

The Dukes generated 265 yards of total offense for the game, with all but 18 coming on the ground.

Trent had 26 carries for 107 yards and a score. Senior Raheem Rumsey had 11 carries for 72 yards, and Ridley gained 52 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries.

Rumsey led Cumberland with nine total tackles, including three for a loss, and two assists.

The Dukes (1-4) have a bye this week but will return to action Friday, Oct. 7 for homecoming as they host Randolph-Henry High School at 7 p.m.