Stratford set for 50th rivalry meeting in Macon with FPD
The 5-1 Stratford Eagles look to rebound after region loss in The End Zone's Week Eight Game of the Week against the 5-2 FPD Vikings
MACON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – Week Eight of the high school football season brings region battles across the state, including one of the GIAA’s biggest rivalries. Stratford Academy will host First Presbyterian Day on Friday night in the 50th all-time meeting between the two programs.
The Eagles (5-1) are off to a strong start under second-year head coach Paul Carroll. After finishing 7-4 last season with only two region wins, Stratford has made noise this fall with a 41-14 rout of Brookstone and a 28-13 victory over Frederica.
Stratford was ranked No. 1 in Class 4A before last week’s region-opening loss to John Milledge. Carroll said sloppy preparation carried into the game.
“We came out ready for the game, but John Milledge has a dang good football team,” Carroll said. “They hit us in the mouth and we didn’t respond. We had five turnovers, and it kind of spiraled. Our kids have to understand we’ve got to practice physical. If you don’t practice physical, you’re not going to play physical.”
The Eagles’ offense is fueled by senior running back Tyler Stephens, who is averaging 167 yards per game with 16 touchdowns. Sophomore quarterback Tucker Johnston has thrown for six scores and added four rushing touchdowns, while his older brother Jett Johnston is averaging 58 receiving yards per game and has three touchdowns.
On defense, freshman linebacker Aaron Jefferson is averaging seven tackles per game, junior lineman Travis Dugger is tied for the team lead in sacks, and senior Maddox Whitehead is pacing the defense with nearly eight tackles per contest, with two sacks to go with it.
Whitehead said the team is eager to bounce back after last week’s loss.
“As you can tell from week one, the intensity has just gone up a lot,” Whitehead said. “It’s a big one. If you haven’t been to one yet, this is the one to go to. After losing the past two years, this is our year. We’re feeling really confident about it.”
Carroll said he expects an electric atmosphere Friday.
“They’re a well-coached football team with guys who can make explosive plays,” Carroll said. “It’s a huge rivalry game. Last year was my first year, and it was very electric, kind of like a Warner Robins–Northside game, Georgia–Georgia Tech, or Alabama–Auburn. Football is crazy, you never know who’s going to show up. Our job is to get them ready to play Friday night. I know our guys will be ready.”
Kickoff between Stratford and FPD is scheduled for Friday night at 7:30 p.m.. Catch highlights from this game of the week, along with several other games, on The End Zone, on Friday night during 41NBC News at 11 p.m. Tune into pregame coverage live from Cantrell Stadium during 41NBC News at 5, 5:30, and 6 p.m.
