Vikings look to run it back

Head Coach Brett Collier guided his team on that magical run that saw the First Presbyterian Vikings defeat Brookstone 44-24 at Mercer’s Five Star Stadium to claim their first title since 1985. 

Coach Collier reflected on a special season and the championship: “It was an incredible night. The celebrations after that were great, and we tried to hang on to that as long as we could, but ultimately, you have to move on, and that is where we are now.”

The championship has been celebrated for eight months and will be remembered forever. But it is time to get back to work and fill some holes that graduation left behind. Overall, four starters are returning on offense and five on defense. 

First and foremost, Coach Collier needs to find a quarterback. Jakhari Williams, the GIAA AAAA State Player of the Year and GIAA All-State selection, is now the second-string quarterback for the Syracuse Orangemen. 

Coach Collier added, “A lot of people ask me how you replace someone like Jakhari, and I tell them you don’t really; you just try and do the best you can. But we like the two guys competing for the job.”

Through camp, Major Simmons and Bennett Lake have been neck and neck in the competition, and according to Coach Collier, neither separated themselves in the Vikings scrimmage last Thursday night. 

The fans will find out who won the competition on Friday night when First Presbyterian takes the field against Eagles Landing Christian Academy.  

Coach Collier said, “I like the way both of them run the ball.” In high school football, whoever loses the competition will play a key position elsewhere.

There was also a key loss at running back, where Hayden Aulds got most of the work last year. Brady McHugh, who played multiple positions on the championship team, will step into that role. 

On the offense, Coach Collier summarized the rebuilt group as follows: “I really like the guys coming up. We have some big shoes to fill, but we have good competition at spots.”

On the defensive side of the ball, Coach Collier is looking at his linebacking group to set the tone. He said, “Good teams are led by good defenses. We have some good kids over there, and I am excited to see what they will do.”

He continued, “Senior linebackers Brady Lincoln and Kip Cawley have worked hard and are the heart and soul of our defense. They have already provided the leadership since last year, and we will depend on that.”

On special teams, the Vikings welcomed Dominic Economopoulos from the soccer team to kick this season. 

OUTLOOK—It is hard to replicate something as special as last year, but the players coming back have a bit of a chip on their shoulders. Coach Collier described, “These guys have heard a lot about last year’s team, and they are eager to go out and show what they can do.”

A hungry team is dangerous, but if it also has leadership and an understanding of what it takes to win, it can be memorable. Maybe Coach Collier and Viking nation can spend another offseason celebrating another special group. 

CHAMPIONSHIP PEDIGREE – The Vikings have won three state championships and 15 region titles.

ODDS AND ENDS – The Vikings open the season on the road at Eagles Landing Christian Academy, where Coach Collier spent three seasons as defense coordinator and won three state championships. 

The Marion County Eagles are on the schedule for the first time in school history. Located in Buena Vista, Georgia, just outside Columbus, the Eagles compete in GHSA Class A – Division II. The Vikings will host the Eagles this year and then play at their place in 2025.