The Vikings and The Eagles will face off yet again this Friday, continuing one of the longest-running private-school rivalries in Central Georgia. The series began in 1975 and has continued every year since, excluding the period between 2009 and 2014 when FPD made the initial switch from GISA to GHSA. This Friday will be the 44th matchup between the two schools– and in the series, Stratford leads 23-19. Stratford has beaten the Vikings the past five consecutive years.
FPD is coming into this game following last week’s road win against the Wilkinson County Warriors. The Viking’s season record is currently 3-3. Over the course of the six games played so far, the team has scored and an average of 30.83 points per game on offense and allowed 20.5 on defense. The team is led by Greg Moore, who’s been with the program for 30 years and is now in his 20th year as head coach.
The Eagles also enter this game following a big road win against Tattnall Square Academy last week. The team is now 2-4 overall and averaging 12.67 points on offense and 19.67 on defense. Stratford is led by veteran head coach, Mark Farriba.
This game is huge not just as a rivalry matchup but also in determining which team will be in contention for this year’s 7-A region championship. FPD is 2-0 in region games, placing them in first place with Mount De Sales for Division A. Stratford is 1-1 in the region, making this a crucial game if they wish to have a shot at the region title. An FPD win will solidify them as a region contender and knock Stratford out of the running. Meanwhile, a win from Stratford could give them a chance at winning the title by means of a three-way tiebreaker (should FPD beat Mount De Sales).
This game seems to favor the Vikings, who are ahead statistically and in wins. FPD will certainly be keen to break their five-year losing streak. Still, Stratford will have the home-field advantage– and a long history of upsetting the Vikings. This game could easily go either way and will certainly be worth showing up for.