FPD meets TSA in a Rivalry Region Matchup for the Week 11 Game of the Week

The First Presbyterian Day Vikings (8-1) look for their first region title since 2021 has they host the Tattnall Square Academy Trojans (7-1) for our Week 11 Game of the Week

MACON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – George S. Johnson Memorial Stadium is the site where the 8-1 FPD Vikings are red hot coming into the final game of the regular season. Second year head coach Brett Collier has this FPD squad in prime position for a repeat state championship run.

After the St. Anne Pacelli loss in Week Three, the Vikings have won six in a row, including three straight region victories. Although, they aren’t just winning their games, the Vikings are dominating. After scoring 165 more points than their opponents this season, FPD is averaging 30 points a game, while the defense is only allowing 11.

After a big comeback win over Westfield a month ago, the Vikings have taken off in region play, scoring 122 points in those three matchups combined, while holding their opponents to just 38 points.

Now, this Vikings team faces their toughest test of the season against a 7-1 TSA team who hasn’t lost a game since week one.

Coach collier has some history on his side though. The FPD head coach is 2-0 after two wins last year, both in the regular season and second round of the GIAA playoffs. However, the Vikings are down in the all-time series 22-34, having lost 13 straight matchups at one point. Though in more recent history, the Vikings have won four of the last five games.

Now, the Vikings look to make their own history by taking on the Trojans Friday night for the Region Six Class AAAA Championship. With a whole lot at stake, Coach Collier knows his team is prepared to work hard to get a victory on senior night, as he takes on his good buddy in a rivalry matchup for the ages in our Week 11 Game of the Week.

“Yeah, just that process of growth that you see. As a coach, you want that personally in the kids, but you also want it as a team on the field of course. We’ve seen that, and that’s a lot of fun to see. Its a lot of fun to have kids, that at the beginning of the year, you really don’t know what they’re going to do. Then, as the year progresses, they just get better and better. So, as a coach, that’s rewarding” said Coach Collier at Wednesday’s practice.

“Just us as a unit, we have very good team chemistry” said Junior Vikings Quarterback and Safety Major Simmons Wednesday. “It took a little bit of time, but we are all clicking. We just got a spark. I guess the Westfield game, that was like our spark, and everything is coming together since then.”

Simmons went on to speak about the tough challenge ahead Friday night. “They’re very athletic, they can make plays. But, if we keep the ball in front, I believe we have a good team and we can run it through their face.”

“I think the loss against {St. Anne} Pacelli really humbled us” said Vikings Senior Wide Receiver and Cornerback Benjamin McElreath at Wednesday’s practice. “{It} showed us that we are beatable, and I think it’s been like fire since then. I want us to have no turnovers, play physical on the ball, run the ball down their throat, and we’ll just play physical, tough, FPD football.”

Coach Collier went on to speak about his good buddy, Tattnall Square Head Coach John Abernathy, and his Trojans team ahead of Friday’s matchup. “It’s good to have that comradery in the coaching community. Coach Abernathy and I, we are friends. I told the kids today, I think he’s in it for the right reasons. I think that’s why we all get along so well. I think he loves his kids and wants to do right by them. So, we’ve met our minimum of I think three conversations this week. But, really its not about me and him. Its about the kids on the field. His kids will play hard and our kids will play hard.”

Collier went on to say. “Tattnall is super athletic. I would say probably the most talented team that we’ve played. They’ve got a bunch of guys that can take the ball and go score, and obviously they got the running back, number three, Antone Johnson. He’s an incredible player, he has been for years. So, {its} just keeping him bottled up and doing our best versus those guys. I’ve said this in weeks past, I don’t know if you stop those guys, but you slow them down hopefully, and give your defense a chance to win. Offensively, no turnovers, run the ball well, throw it when we want to, and play FPD football.”

Kickoff at George S. Johnson Memorial Stadium is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Catch live pregame coverage during 41NBC News at 5, 5:30 and 6 p.m. Don’t miss highlights from our Game of the Week, and others, on this Friday’s edition of The End Zone during 41NBC News at 11.