Gloucester High School football coach Sonny Merchant had more than 90 potential players come out for his first official tryout sessions last week, a good turnout for the Dukes who have struggled to have a roster with depth.

Full practices with helmets and other gear began this week. The Dukes will continue training weekdays from 3 to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday mornings until school begins on Sept. 4.

The varsity and junior varsity squads will scrimmage at Poquoson on Aug. 17 and with Grafton at GHS on Aug. 24.

Gloucester will host Bethel to open the Peninsula District schedule at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 30. The game was originally scheduled for Aug. 31.

Season tickets

The GHS athletic department is again offering a reduced price season pass for 2012. The season pass is $20 for all five home games. Individual adult game tickets are $5 at the gate.

Season passes are available in the GHS main office during regular working hours through Aug. 30. They may also be purchased ...