The Nansemond-Suffolk Academy football team has wrapped up a Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association Division III playoff spot and will be playing at home in the state semifinals, but the Saints still have a score to settle in the regular season.

Before they look to defeat their last conference opponent of the regular season on Nov. 6 at home, they will try to avenge a 2014 loss to Trinity Episcopal School on Saturday afternoon in Richmond.

 

Nansemond-Suffolk (6-2) at Trinity Episcopal (6-2) — 1 p.m.

Last season: Titans 48, Saints 36

 

Saints coach Lew Johnston noted his team has been focused and highly motivated leading up to its showdown with the Titans, NSA’s third and final VISAA Division II opponent of the season.

“They’re obviously a very good football team, coming off a state championship from last year,” Johnston said.

After NSA fell to St. Anne’s-Belfield School in the 2014 VISAA Division II state semifinals, the Titans beat St. Anne’s 20-10 in the final.

But Johnston likes how his team has played against Trinity Episcopal in the past and said his players have had a great week of practice in preparation for another shot at TES.

Analyzing the Titans, Johnston said, “They’ve got a number of weapons on offense.”

He first highlighted senior quarterback Blake Bowen, who he noted was a first team all-state selection last year.

Bowen has some impressive receivers to throw to, including senior Trevion Armstrong, a 6-foot-4-inch, 220-pound standout who has committed to play NCAA Division I football for the University of Nevada, Reno.

Senior Zane Lewis is another key playmaker Bowen can pass to.

“It’s a very good Division II football team,” Johnston said. “We’re going to have our hands full.”

Nansemond-Suffolk has some mixed news on the injury front.

Senior linebacker/running back Daniel Griffith recently tweaked his hamstring but has been practicing all week and expects to play today.

“He will get some snaps on defense,” Johnston said.

Senior offensive guard Ben Anderson, a three-year starter, is doubtful for today after exhibiting some concussion symptoms this week.

Two players with knee injuries are on the path back to the gridiron this season, though they will not play today.

Sophomore offensive guard/defensive tackle Chris Murphy has been cleared to practice at full speed. Senior split end/defensive back Hunter Foster, out since the season opener on Aug. 29, has been cleared to resume practice.

Foster will help provide more depth as a receiver and in the secondary. Both position groups took a hit when sophomore Erek Smith cracked his collarbone during an interception play against Norfolk Academy on Oct. 16. The injury that will sideline him for the remainder of the season.