Henry Luzzatto

Correspondent

 

Nansemond-Suffolk Academy kicked off its 50th year with a pre-season football game and a membership drive for the Golden Saints club.

The Saints faced off against Portsmouth Christian School at home on Friday night. The contest was an entertaining, high scoring game that ended with NSA winning 48-25.

“It’s always positive to get the ‘W,’ ” said NSA head coach Michael Biehl. “But there are some things we need to improve.”

While the Saints provided the entertainment on the field, the Golden Saints, NSA’s booster club, held a cookout and social event to welcome parents and recruit members for the upcoming season.

“We had a good turnout, so I think it’ll be a really good year for us,” said T.W. Johnson, the boys’ athletic director at NSA.

On the field, the Saints showed their offensive and defensive prowess in preparation for their new season. NSA, which won the Virginia Independent Schools Athletics Association Division III state title last season, is looking to have another successful season, despite losing nearly a dozen seniors.

The game gave the audience its first real glimpse of NSA’s new-look offense under Biehl. Biehl took over from Hampton Roads legend Lew Johnston, who ended his 41-year career with a five-season stint at NSA.

NSA began the game confidently, outscoring Portsmouth Christian 20-0 in the first quarter. Saints senior Keshaun Moore was the star player, scoring two touchdowns and picking up three tackles and a sack in the first quarter.

“Keshaun had an excellent game,” Biehl said. “He was all over them.”

Portsmouth Christian scored its first points in the second quarter, with junior wide receiver Da’kendall James’ eight-yard touchdown catch. Ben Koppelmann added to NSA’s total, with a 29 yard catch followed by a three-yard touchdown run to make the score 27-6.

Portsmouth Christian responded with two unanswered touchdowns, one by James, who followed a 24-yard reception by an eight-yard touchdown catch, and one by senior Taylor Towns.

Moore continued to impress in the second half, picking up another two touchdowns, including a 58-yard touchdown run.

Moore and James were the stars for their respective sides, with Moore picking up four touchdowns and James scoring two of his own.

Despite the game showing off the offensive talents of his playmakers, Biehl said he was not completely satisfied with the team’s performance.

“We showed potential on both sides of the ball,” Biehl said. “There was a quick appearance of what we could be, but we still have work to do to make that more consistent.”

Biehl said the team’s showing in the game would give them plenty to focus on in the leadup to the season’s first official game on Friday.

“We saw our strengths and weaknesses, and what we have to is make our strengths stronger and eliminate those weaknesses,” he said.

While the performance was encouraging, Johnson said the game also offered a chance for NSA’s fans and families to get a feel for the community that surrounds the football games.

“It’s a pretty exciting time,” Johnson said. “It’s a great night to come out and enjoy before the season and the school year kick off for real.”