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Nansemond-Suffolk Academy Saints senior Howard Casterlow went crazy Thursday in the Saints’ 35-0 win over the Catholic Crusaders. The first score of the game came on a beautiful 80-yard throw and catch from Vann Baggett to Casterlow with 3:31 left in the first quarter.  On the ensuing drive, Saints’ Joseph Petry recovered a Crusaders fumble deep in Catholic territory.  A few plays later, Baggett tucked the ball and waltzed into the endzone to push the lead to 14-0. Baggett and Casterlow hooked for more than 100 yards in the first half.

With the half winding down and the Saints marching, Greer Barclay took a hand-off from the 15 to the right and quickly reversed field, hurdling a Crusader defender before diving into the endzone for another Saints touchdown. Then, with under 20 seconds remaining in the half, Casterlow made his presence felt again, picking off a pass attempt by Crusaders quarterback Ryan Markey. Casterlow returned the pass for a touchdown as the clock hit zero, giving NSA a commanding 28-0 lead going into the break.

After trading possessions after the break, Saints Colton Beale picked off Markey again, unfortunately, NSA could not find the endzone. A costly penalty erased what would have been another Baggett to Casterlow touchdown connection. Then, with 4:37 left in the third quarter, Casterlow took another Markey pass attempt the other way for a Saints touchdown, putting a lid on the 35-0 win.

Head coach Mike Biehl said they had a good idea Casterlow would have a favorable matchup on the edge given the Crusaders playing a 2-high and sprinkling in some double moves to confuse the Crusaders secondary. Biehl also commended the offensive line for allowing Baggett to step up in the pocket and work through his progressions.

NSA moves to 3-3 on the season and plays host to Norfolk Academy next Friday, Oct. 10.