The Nansemond-Suffolk Academy football team took a four-game win streak into their road game against Norfolk Academy on Saturday but failed to assert themselves in a 16-8 loss.

“It was probably our poorest showing the whole year,” Saints head coach Lew Johnston said. “We took the ball (after) the opening kickoff and like precision went right down the field, scored and went for two. We kicked off to them, we held them, three and out, (they) punted, and then it was like we slept walked the entire rest of the game.”

Johnston was not pleased with the performance of his offense or defense, but he indicated that it was the special teams that decided the game.

“I was disappointed in our kicking game,” he said. “(Norfolk Academy) had three long punt returns that we had worked on (in practice), but obviously didn’t work on enough or well enough, which gave them great field position. They had an onside kick to start the second half we didn’t cover, and so they got the ball at midfield to start the third quarter.”

The Saints held an 8-6 lead going into halftime, but the Bulldogs added 10 more points in the third quarter. They were led on offense by their quarterback, Allan Parrott, who completed 16 of 30 passes for 218 yards.

“I give him credit,” Johnston said. “He’s a good little scrambler, and he got outside and completed some passes.”

NSA sophomore fullback David Gough scored the Saints’ only points with the touchdown and two point conversion and led the team in rushing with 55 yards on 12 carries. Senior quarterback Tim Burns went 11 for 27 for 174 yards. The Saints’ offense actually out-gained the Bulldogs 288-271.

The state playoff picture has clouded for the Saints after this loss, but Johnston still has hope.

“Some things have to happen,” he said. “We’re not in the driver’s seat anymore, but if we can win out these last three, I think we got a reasonable shot at the playoffs.”

Greenbrier Christian comes to visit the Saints (4-3, 2-1) on NSA’s homecoming night this Friday.