Saints back on track in big way

Published 11:44 pm Friday, September 27, 2013

Just because it dropped a big game at home last week does not mean Nansemond-Suffolk Academy’s football team has allowed a promising season to go sour. The Saints reminded everyone they aim to get back to the state title game with a dominant 47-0 victory over host St. Anne’s-Belfield School in Charlottesville on Friday night.

NSA got most of its offensive work out of the way early, leading 33-0 by halftime. Both the offense and defense of the Saints helped to create a staggering differential in rushing yards as NSA racked up 322 on the ground while holding St. Anne’s-Belfield to 40 for the game.

Nansemond-Suffolk Academy defenders Jake Grady (7), Camden Sutton (56), and Cole Christiansen (45) collapse on a member of St. Anne's-Belfield School Friday night in Charlottesville. NSA's defense kept its opponents off the scoreboard in a 47-0 win. (Janine DeMello photo)

Nansemond-Suffolk Academy defenders Jake Grady (7), Camden Sutton (56), and Cole Christiansen (45) collapse on a member of St. Anne’s-Belfield School Friday night in Charlottesville. NSA’s defense kept its opponents off the scoreboard in a 47-0 win. (Janine DeMello photo)

Junior halfback Addison Peak had been quiet recently after suffering a bruised knee a few weeks ago, but he returned to form, rushing nine times for 98 yards and two touchdowns. Junior fullback David Gough had a solid game, as well, with 15 carries for 68 yards, two touchdowns and one two-point conversion.

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Peak and Gough took turns scoring touchdowns in the first half while sophomore kicker Ben Anderson also contributed a 30-yard field goal.

Sophomore halfback Noah Giles earned 55 yards with only four carries, and senior quarterback Jackson DeMello found running room this time out with 31 yards on six carries.

DeMello’s arm helped account for a score in the third quarter when he found Peak open, resulting in a 26-yard touchdown pass. DeMello passed eight times with four completions totaling 65 yards.

Rounding out the scoring for the Saints in the third quarter was senior running back Jake Grady with an 11-yard touchdown run.

Sophomore linebacker Cole Christiansen led the NSA defense with four tackles while sophomore Reed Browne, freshman Keshaun Moore, senior Matt Newhall and junior C.J. Patterson each had three apiece.

The victory avenged a loss from seven years ago. According to MaxPreps.com, the last time the Saints had faced Friday’s opponent was in 2006 when St. Anne’s-Belfield handed them a 49-7 loss.

Nansemond-Suffolk (4-1, 1-1) travels to play Portsmouth Christian School next Friday night.