We tell you everything you need to know about the 2025 First Presbyterian Day School football team in this preview, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Vikings this season.
2024 Season Stats
- Overall Record:11-2
- Points Scored: 367
- Points Allowed: 150
Key Roster Losses
First Presbyterian Day will miss two key offensive linemen who were critical upfront last season in Carson Smith and Wyatt Thomley. Both were GIAA District 6 All-Region selections for their play in 2024. Smith was also a GIAA All-State selection for Class 4A last season.
Another duo that contributed to last season’s successful 11-win season will not return this year: All-Region linebackers Brady Lincoln and Kip Cawley. Lincoln, who was also an All-State selection, was the team’s leading tackler in 2024, and Cawley had 193 career tackles from his LB spot. Losing those two in the middle of the defense leaves a big void to be filled in 2025.
One skill position player who has graduated is All-Region and All-State wide receiver Benjamin McElreath, who was the team’s leading receiver in 2024 with 49 catches for 852 yards and eight TDs.
Key Players Returning
The Vikings have several offensive weapons returning who have led the team to back-to-back state championship game appearances in GIAA Class 4A.
Entering his second straight year as the Vikings’ starting quarterback is Major Simmons. In 2024 he threw for 1,536 yards and 20 TDs while rushing for 745 yards and 14 more TDs, including a rushing TD in the state title game last year versus Bulloch. Simmons was selected as the District 6 Region Player of the Year and the Class 4A Player for the Year for 2024.
Simmons has a top receiving target returning this season in All-Region wide receiver Breck Griffin, a senior.
Another receiving target who also gives First Presbyterian Day a top defensive returner is senior tight end and defensive end Tinsley Lewis. In 2024 the All-Region selection had 22 tackles, including two sacks.
Senior pick-master Brady McHugh gives the Vikings quite a presence in the defensive backfield once again. Last season, McHugh had six interceptions from his defensive back spot while also rushing for 606 yards with three TDs as one of the team’s running backs. He also received All-Region and All-State honors in 2024.
Returning along both fronts is senior offensive and defensive lineman Thomas Everett.
What to Expect From the FPD Vikings in 2025
First Presbyterian Day found the right guy in head football coach Brett Collier. He took over a two-win team in 2022 and led them to a state championship in his first season in 2023. He led the Vikings to a second trip to the Class 4A title game last year, but ultimately fell just short.
Heading into the 2025 season, Collier said this Vikings squad has some talent returning and some holes to fill.
“I feel good about where we are offensively in the backfield and on the offensive line,” Collier said. “It will be hard to replace our two linebackers that graduated, but we have a number of guys really competing hard for these spots. I’m looking forward to watching this team grow into its own this season.”
2025 Season Prediction
The Vikings will finish 10-3 overall and make a third straight trip to the state title game.
Game to Watch
Season opener versus Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy on Aug. 15
