As the game clock hit zero Friday night, coach Mike Biehl let out a sigh of relief. After a disappointing loss to open the season during week one, the Saints (1-1) finally got in the win column with a 36-14 home victory over Christchurch (0-1).

“It is good to achieve what we wanted to achieve as far as coming out with a win,” Biehl said. “It’ll be a little bit easier preparing for the next, knowing we finally got one under our belt.”

The Saints were the first team to put points on the board as quarterback Robby Tew ran for 40 yards for a touchdown. In the second quarter alone, the Saints poured in 36 points. Over the bye week, the Saints spent a lot of time working on their conditioning, and it showed Friday night. NSA (1-1) rushed for 278 yards, with 118 yards coming from standout Keshaun Moore.

“Our offensive line did a good job of knowing what their roles were on particular schemes,” Biehl said. “All of our guys did a good job of getting to the second level and creating creases for all our running backs.”

After five turnovers in their first game, the Saints cut their turnovers down to only one Friday night. NSA took care of the ball and was precise on offense and defense.

“That first week we made the simple things look difficult,” Biehl said. “Our objective every week is to win the turnover margin. If we do that, we will always be in striking distance if not ahead.”

The Saints will admit that after the first game they were a little embarrassed about how they performed. Their performance Friday night was a better representation of who they are as a team. Running back Shaun Faulk also had a solid performance, with nine carries for 97 yards and two touchdowns.

“Shaun really showed people who he is an athlete and competitor,” Biehl said. “There were a couple of occasions on both sides of the ball where he put his pads down and forced his will on people.”

NSA didn’t allow any first-half points to Christchurch (0-1), but allowed 14 points in the second half. The Saints were disappointed that they couldn’t get a shutout at home, but the home crowd did see an interception returned for a touchdown by Joseph Humphreys.

The Saints will be at home against North Cross School at 7 p.m. Sept. 16.

 

Total yards:

NSA — 334

Rushing yards:

NSA — 278- (Tew 7-60-1),

Moore 8-118), (Faulk 9-97-2),

(Knight 4-16-1)

Passing yards:

NSA — 56 (Tew 1/5-30)

(Knight 1/3-26)

Receiving yards:

(Smith 2-56)