The Nansemond-Suffolk Academy football team had traction during the first half against host Norfolk Academy, but the Saints’ rivals were able to pile on the points after halftime en route to a 56-42 win.

All looked well for NSA early on as the Wing-T running attack was at work, resulting in senior tailback Addison Peak carrying the ball for a 21-yard touchdown. Junior running back Noah Giles ran in the two-point conversion to make it 8-0.

But Norfolk Academy responded with the weapon that NSA coach Lew Johnston knew his team needed to be prepared for — senior quarterback Allan Parrott. He scored on a 9-yard touchdown run to get the Bulldogs on the board.

Giles and the Saints responded later in the first quarter when he scored off a 10-yard touchdown run. Senior fullback David Gough carried the ball across the goal line to make NSA’s lead 16-7.

The back-and-forth offensive battle continued in the second quarter when Parrott completed a pass to senior wide receiver Brian Shivers for a 29-yard score.

Giles scored on a 9-yard run, but the two-point conversion attempt failed. On the ensuing drive, Parrott hurt the Saints again through the air, completing a three-yard pass to senior wideout Nick Lewis to draw the Bulldogs within one, 22-21.

Parrott was far from done, however, as he went on to throw three more touchdown passes during the third and fourth quarters. They were 10-, 20- and 33-yard tosses to Shivers.

NSA senior tight end C.J. Patterson helped keep the Saints in the game during the third quarter when he threw a 36-yard touchdown to Gough. The two-point conversion failed, however.

The Bulldogs got their last two touchdowns in the fourth quarter from senior running back Demitri Boyce on 5- and 19-yard runs.

Giles completed scored another rushing touchdown, this one from eight yards out, and junior running back Cole Christiansen scored the final points of the game on a three-yard run.

Parrott had a sensational game, going 14-for-19 passing for 249 yards and five touchdowns. He also gained 75 yards running the ball, with a touchdown.

Boyce finished with 120 yards and two scores on 25 carries.

The Saints gained 219 yards on the ground and 142 in the air, but it was simply not enough to keep up.

Nansemond-Suffolk (3-4) hosts Greenbrier Christian Academy next Friday night.