Nansemond River High School’s football team finished its first winning regular season in 13 years with a flourish on Friday night, defeating visiting cross-city rival Lakeland High School 52-7.

Second-year Warriors coach David Coccoli was excited by what his team achieved, improving on their 5-5 record from last year with a 7-3 mark this season.

“It means we’re taking a step,” he said. “It’s building a program.”

Noting more reasons Friday night’s win was important, he said, “It means a lot to win the so-called Suffolk city title.”

King’s Fork High School had claimed that title the previous two years and Lakeland the year before that.

Coccoli said he was pleased his seniors will be able to cherish these major accomplishments, “stuff they worked hard for, and they deserve it.”

Warriors senior quarterback Kiere Landry had a strong showing on Friday, going 11-for-13 passing for 149 yards and three touchdowns.

Among those catching touchdowns for Nansemond River were senior wide receivers Josh Covington and Chris Henderson.

Covington finished with four catches for 50 yards and a score.

Senior running back Terrence Lambert had a lighter evening than many this year, carrying the ball 11 times for 50 yards and a touchdown.

The Warrior defense was strong creating turnovers on four interceptions, caught by senior linebacker Layvaun Baum, junior linebacker Henry Moreno, senior defensive back Cameron Olds and sophomore defensive back Gerard Stringer.

Despite the positives on the night, Coccoli saw sloppiness in his team’s play that he expects them to correct before next week’s home playoff game.

Coccoli said anticipates his team hosting Norview High School (7-2) next week.