The last time Windsor HIgh School won at least five football games was 1999 when the Dukes went 7-3. With Windsor at 5-2 now, it stands to reason that every game is a big one for the Dukes.

Windsor travels to play Sussex Central in a key Tri-Rivers District matchup Friday at 7 p.m.

Although Sussex Central is 3-3, the Tigers have played a tough non-conference schedule. Still in the minds of Windsor fans is the 54-8 pasting the Tigers put on Windsor last year.

But 2007 is a different season and the Dukes are an improved squad. Although Windsor head coach Bruce Carroll said his team is trying to take one game at a time, every week becomes bigger for the Dukes.

“Up until this point, this is the biggest game we have had in a few years. They (Sussex Central) still have that respect as a perennial power and a program that is well coached,” Carroll said. “We want to put ourselves in a position to play an 11th game. This week would certainly help.”

Carroll said the Dukes will continue with a balanced offensive attack.

“We pretty much have certain things we’re going to try to do and take what we are given, and not try to force anything,” he said. “A lot of teams try to get in a scoring match with Sussex. They are a big play team and we want to make them drive the football and make fewer mistakes than they do.”

Windsor showed nice balance against Charles City. Quarterback Kwamane Harris passed for two touchdowns, both to Ryan Acey, and Layfette Murphy rushed for 108 yards.

In other action, Franklin (4-2) tries to end its two-game losing streak at home against Charles City (1-5) for a homecoming kickoff at 7 p.m. in a Tri-Rivers District game.

– Grafton (4-2) plays at Smithfield (4-3) at 7:30 p.m. in a Bay Rivers District tilt.

– Southampton Academy (5-2) travels to Quantico for a 7:30 p.m. game.

– Isle of Wight Academy (6-1) hosts Blessed Sacrement-Huguenot at 7:30 p.m. in a Virginia Commonwealth Conference game.

– Nansemond-Suffolk Academy plays at Greenbriar Christian at 7:00 p.m.

In a Saturday game, Southampton (1-5) travels to New Kent (2-4) for a 1 p.m. kickoff in a Bay Rivers District game.