FPD defense steps up, Vikes hold off Westfield for 28-23 Homecoming win

In a highly anticipated Homecoming game, the First Presbyterian Day School Vikings fought their way to a 28-23 victory over the Westfield Hornets in their Week 6 matchup. 

FPD’s victory over the Hornets in their first meeting in 15 years improved their record to 5-1 and gave them the edge in the storied rivalry.

“I am really proud of the way our defense played. Our defense did a good job, got some turnovers — some big key turnovers — and so did our special teams,” FPD head coach Brett Collier said. “I knew one of the things going into it would be no special teams mistakes. I thought we did a good job there, and our defense played really well.”

The game didn’t start in FPD’s favor. Trailing 10-0 late in the second quarter, the Vikings were struggling to get anything going against Westfield’s stout defense. The Hornets opened the game with a 33-yard field goal in the first quarter and extended their lead with a 59-yard touchdown pass in the second. FPD’s offense sputtered early, with Westfield keying in on the run and keeping the Vikings from moving the ball consistently.

But just before halftime, FPD quarterback Major Simmons delivered a spark. Known for his versatility on both sides of the ball, Simmons showed his ability to make big plays under pressure. With under a minute left before the half, Simmons connected with Brett Griffin on a crucial 9-yard touchdown pass, to cut the deficit to 10-7. That touchdown shifted the momentum and gave the Vikings hope heading into the break.

“Yeah, they got a good defense, a really strong defense,” Collier said. “I knew they’d be tough. I wish we would have been able to run the ball a little better, but especially in the second half, we knew that we had to throw it to win. When we figured that out, the guys did a really good job at it, so very pleased with that.”

FPD’s defense, led by senior Peyton Howard and linebacker Brady Lincoln, took charge in the second half. Howard, in particular, was a standout, making key tackles and disrupting Westfield’s rhythm. His defensive presence helped hold Westfield to just 13 points in the second half despite the Hornets’ ability to move the ball.

Special teams made the difference early in the third quarter when Simmons blocked a Westfield punt, setting FPD up deep in Hornets territory. The Vikings took full advantage, with running back Brady McHugh leading the ground game. Simmons capped off the drive with a 1-yard quarterback sneak, giving FPD its first lead of the game at 14-10.

“Peyton Howard, man, he was all over the place,” Collier said of the senior. “He made a lot of big tackles. He’s had a really good senior year.”

FPD extended their lead in the fourth quarter when Simmons once again put his athleticism on display. Facing a third-and-short, Simmons kept the ball on a quarterback draw, breaking multiple would-be tacklers to power his way into the end zone for another score, an 11-yard touchdown making it 21-10 in favor of the Vikings.

Westfield, however, fought back. The Hornets scored two quick touchdowns to narrow the gap to 28-23, with the second coming on a 15-yard pass with just over six minutes remaining. They then forced an FPD fumble, giving them a chance to steal the game in the closing minutes.

But the Vikings’ defense stood tall when it mattered most. With Westfield threatening, Simmons fittingly came up with the game-sealing play — a leaping interception deep in Viking territory. That turnover allowed FPD to run out the clock and secure the victory.

“This was just a big game because Westfield has a good program. We haven’t played them in a long time. It was Homecoming,” Collier said. “Our guys are getting used to playing in tight games and good games, and I think that’s gonna do us good down the road in the future.”

The Vikings are now set to face Mount de Sales next week as they continue their pursuit of back-to-back state championships. With Simmons leading the way as the team’s dynamic athlete and key players like McHugh and Howard stepping up, FPD looks to have the talent and determination to make another deep playoff run.