We tell you everything you need to know about the 2023 First Presbyterian Day football, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Warriors this season.
2022 Stats
- Overall Record: 2-9
- Points Scored: 299
- Points Allowed: 258
Key Losses
You can count longtime head coach Greg Moore as one of the non-player losses. After 34 years as the Vikings’ head football coach, Moore stepped down, but he remains as the school’s athletics director and head baseball coach. His replacement is former defensive coordinator and now head coach Brett Collier.
As far as player losses go, FPD will miss the services of three linebackers who have graduated. They are William West, who had 157 career tackles with 4 sacks; Chandler Cawley, who winds up with 130 career tackles, and an INT; and OLB Zander Hinson.
RB/WR Griffin Greene is one of the biggest losses on offense, as he leaves the Vikings with 1,611 career rushing yards and 28 TDs along with 400 yards rushing and 6 TDs. WR Cole Hetes had 556 receiving yards and 4 TDs, along with 27 tackles and an INT in his last season at PFD.
Who’s Back
The Vikings and Collier will have several offensive weapons to rally around this season, including four-star senior quarterback Jakhari Williams, plus his primary target, WR Carter Hays. Williams has thrown for 2,384 yards and 21 TDs while rushing for over 1,000 yards with 14 TDs. Hays pulled in 1,362 receiving yards and 15 TDs last year.
Senior Gavin Spillers has caught 28 passes for 388 yards and a TD over the past three seasons from his tight end position. He also recorded 28 tackles with a sack last season from his DE spot. Senior OT Ben Barton returns, as does senior Hayden Aulds, who will play RB and LB again this season.
What to Expect
FPD fell hard last year, with just two wins following a 12-win season in 2021. It is worth noting, however, that six of their nine losses in 2022 were by a touchdown or less. Now, with Collier taking over and the Vikings returning a solid group of experienced contributors on both sides of the ball, there should be marked improvement and more wins.
The Vikings will have one of the state’s most balanced and talented dual-threat QBs running the offense in Jakhari Williams. By the time you read this, you may know which college program he decided to continue his career with: His final five choices are Syracuse, Florida Atlantic. Boston College, Western Kentucky and James Madison.
Prediction
Look for a 8-4 record from this First Presbyterian Day football team in 2023.
Game to Watch
FPD travels to play rival Stratford in the regular-season finale on November 3.
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