Cumberland County High School’s varsity football team was missing several key players and had difficulty playing a visiting Central Lunenburg High School squad that was fresh off its first victory. The Dukes trailed 27-0 at halftime and ultimately lost 48-6.

“We struggled with Central’s offense,” Cumberland Head Coach Jamaal Artis said. “We tried a couple different fronts, but they do a good job coaching those kids over there.”

New players out for the Dukes include 6-foot-7-inch 290-pound senior lineman Christian Jackson, with a torn meniscus, and junior defensive end/tight end Wyshawn Gilliam, with a broken kneecap and torn ACL.

Cumberland’s points Friday came when senior fullback K.J. Copeland ran for a 3-yard touchdown. He finished with 37 yards on 12 carries. Senior wideout Ziahir Berry had 11 carries for 62 yards.

The Dukes (0-3) visit Nottoway High School on Friday at 7 p.m.