There’s just so many parts of the Nansemond-Suffolk Acad-emy football tradition. Scoring touchdowns. Winning games. And, perhaps more important of all, chowing down at the lunch table.

Just as they do the afternoon of every game, the Saints sat down on Wednesday for their annual cookout. Players and their families brought all sorts of culinary offerings to the picnic, which has kicked off more than 20 consecutive football seasons. Across the field in front of the school, players and their families chewed on pizza, chicken, ham sandwiches, and the occasional rice krispie treat.

&uot;This brings us together,&uot; said Jeff Cooper, one of 12 seniors that will start his final season on NSA gridirons at home on Sept. 2 against Windsor. &uot;It’s important to do as many things together as you can, just so the team can bond. We’ve got a close team this year; people trust each other to make plays out on the field. We’ve got one of our better teams in a while – everybody’s close, and everybody does something really well.&uot;

The Saints also play home games against Christchurch (Oct. 1, Greenbrier Christian (Oct. 22),

and Blue Ridge (Nov. 5).

jason.norman@suffolknewsherald.com