We tell you everything you need to know about the 2022 First Presbyterian Day football team in this preview. We take a look at roster changes and what fans can expect from the team this season.

2021 Stats

• Overall Record: 10-3
• Points Scored: 346
• Points Against: 166

Key Losses

First Presbyterian Day School lost approximately 16 seniors from its 2021 10-win team, including LB Garret Veal, who had 52 tackles with a forced fumble and three interceptions during his career. Perhaps the biggest loss will be last season’s Region 1A Private Defensive Player of the Year, DL Coleman Cauley. The graduating FPD standout also was recognized by the Macon TD Club at its annual awards banquet.

Cauley actually played QB in his freshman season, before 4-star Jakhari Williams arrived and allowed him to dedicate himself to his defensive responsibilities, and he responded with 499 tackles, five interceptions, five forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. MaxPreps ranked Coleman as the No. 1 tackler in the state, as well as No. 9 in the country. Cauley is headed to the Naval Academy to play for the Midshipmen. Obviously, he will be missed.

Joining Cauley in the graduation line was WR/DB Jackson Moore. The team captain had 81 receptions for 1,202 receiving yards and 10 TDs. Fellow team captain and 6-foot-1, 250-pound  OL/DL Camden Smith also graduated, and his leadership will be missed as much as his presence at NG and DT.

Brady Roper caught 15 passes for 207 yards as a senior, and also intercepted a pass on defense. LB Tanner Gaskins has graduated, and he leaves with 70 tackles, including five TFL, plus an interception and a forced fumble. Gaskins also saw some limited time at QB during his time as a Viking. Hayden Prady had 39 carries for 169 yards rushing and scored two TDs in just seven games played.

Who’s Back

Returning to guide the Vikings team is Head Coach Greg Moore, now in his 22nd season at FPD. He led his team to the quarterfinals last season, the deepest the Vikings have advanced since joining the GHSA. He’ll have Williams back to lead the offense at quarterback. The junior is coming off a phenomenal sophomore season in which he threw for 1,814 yards with 15 TDs. He also rushed for 231 yards and five TDs last season. Williams has received a number of college offers, including Pitt, Boston College, Virginia Tech, Coastal Carolina, Georgia Southern and Georgia State. There are sure to be many more offers as the progresses.

A host of seniors return this season, including WR/CB/ATH Jaylun Goodrum, who has 12 receptions for 174 receiving yards and a TD. He also has 61 tackles on defense, with three fumble recoveries, two of them returned for TDs, and an interception. Handling kick returns and punt returns, he has 12 punt returns for 203 yards, including a long return of 50 yards. He also returned seven kickoffs for 305 return yards, including an 81-yarder.

Senior Griffin Greene is the reigning region Offensive Player of the Year. The Vikings RB had 1,284 rushing yards on 224 carries, with 21 TDs. He also caught 20 passes for 260 yards and three TDs. On defense, the standout senior contributed a solid 57 tackles.

What To Expect

Let’s look at all the factors for this team heading into 2022: As long as Moore is leading the Vikings, they’re going to be in good shape. He has taken the team to the state playoffs 11 consecutive seasons. And he’ll have one of the best young QBs in the state running his offense this season in junior Jakhari Williams.

The Vikings return to the GISA after spending the past decade as a member of GHSA Region 1A Private, but the truth is, fans won’t see any difference – the Vikings will play much of the same caliber of opponents in 2022, and their region foes will stay the same.

The loss of Coleman Cauley cannot be overlooked, however. The guy was one of the best football players in the state, regardless of classification. His lack of presence on the field will affect FPD. But there’s enough returning overall talent to keep the Vikings in the hunt for another playoff run.

Prediction

This team could compete for a state title in their new league. 12-2 overall record.

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