Nansemond-Suffolk Academy experienced what head coach Lew Johnston called typical first game mistakes, but turned an otherwise solid performance into a 40-16 rout of host Pope John Paul the Great Catholic High School early Friday evening in Dumfries.

Johnston said not being able to play the scrimmage last week contributed to some ragged play by the Saints, but “for the most part I think we controlled the line of scrimmage.”

Junior fullback David Gough was limited somewhat as the Wolves did a decent job plugging the middle, but the sides were left open for halfbacks Addison Peak and Noah Giles.

“Once again, the Wing T was crankin’,” Johnston said, as Peak racked up 129 yards on eight carries, with touchdown runs of 52 and 60 yards. Giles ran four times for 68 yards and two more touchdowns.

Of course, NSA had a new presence behind center in lieu of graduate Tim Burns.

“I was pleased for the most part with Jackson DeMello,” Johnston said.

DeMello, a senior, completed seven passes on nine attempts for 83 yards, with one interception.

The Saints offense generated 360 total yards, 277 of them rushing, compared to the Wolves’ 137 total yards.

On defense, Johnston was impressed by sophomore linebacker Cole Christiansen.

“He just was making stops all over the field,” Johnston said. “He’s such a sure tackler too; he doesn’t miss very often.”

The biggest concern for Nansemond-Suffolk was a knee injury sustained by senior wingback/linebacker Jack Russell, a very important part of the Saints offense, and its defense, as well. He kicked off the scoring on Friday with a 32-yard touchdown run, but went down in the first half.

Johnston said he will be waiting for the MRI on Monday to know how long Russell will be out.

“That was really the only negative,” he said. “Other than that, we pretty much handled them.”

Nansemond-Suffolk (1-0, 0-0) will host Christchurch School next Friday night.