FPD, undeterred by rescheduled game, dominates Mount de Sales 45-3 at Cavalier Fields

The First Presbyterian Day School Vikings put on a dominant performance at Cavalier Fields, rolling to a 45-3 victory over the Mount de Sales Cavaliers Saturday afternoon. 

The Vikings, now 6-1, took control early and never looked back, showcasing a balanced offense and suffocating defense that left the Cavaliers with few answers.

The game’s momentum swung in FPD’s favor from the outset, as the Vikings quickly forced a punt on the Cavaliers’ first possession and turned it into a scoring drive. Quarterback Major Simmons capped off the series with a 1-yard touchdown run, setting the tone for what would be a long afternoon for the MDS defense. 

“I’m just proud of the way we started. With everything that happened with the hurricane and the cancellation and moving the game to Saturday, I’m really proud of our team’s focus and the way they came out ready to play,” FPD head coach Brett Collier told The Melody after the game.

FPD’s defense continued to shine throughout the first quarter, forcing another Mount de Sales punt before Simmons led the Vikings on a series of impressive runs, including a 17-yard scramble, keeping the Cavaliers on their heels. 

By the end of the first quarter, the score was already 14-0 after Simmons connected with wide receiver Brady Lincoln for a 7-yard touchdown pass.

Mount de Sales struggled to find any rhythm offensively. Zavion DeShazier, the Cavaliers’ quarterback, found himself under constant pressure from the Vikings’ defense, led by standout players Kip Cawley and Wyatt Thomley. 

The Cavaliers managed to move the ball early in the second quarter, but a costly fumble allowed FPD’s defense to scoop it up for a touchdown and stretch the lead to 21-0.

Desperate to respond, MDS eventually managed to put together a drive that ended in a 33-yard field goal. That would be the only score the Cavaliers could muster all night. 

DeShazier’s connection with wide receiver Davien Williams for a few short gains gave the home crowd some hope, but FPD’s defense consistently rose to the challenge. Thomley and Cawley were relentless, combining for multiple tackles for loss and keeping the Cavaliers’ running game in check.

FPD’s offensive firepower continued to light up the scoreboard, with Simmons once again proving why he’s one of the most dangerous players in the region. 

After a botched snap that nearly derailed a drive in the second quarter, Simmons scrambled, avoided the pressure, and hit a wide-open Heisman Alvarez for a 30-yard touchdown pass, bringing the score to 28-3. It was the kind of improvisation that’s made Simmons a nightmare for opposing defenses all season.

By halftime, the scoreboard showed an overwhelming 42-3 lead for FPD, essentially putting the game out of reach. Mount de Sales, despite their best efforts, simply couldn’t keep up with the pace of the Vikings’ offense. Simmons continued to drive the ball down the field, and running back Brady McHugh contributed with several tough carries, setting up scoring opportunities.

On the other side of the ball, FPD’s defense was impenetrable. Brady Lincoln, already contributing on offense, had a career-defining game on defense with three interceptions, making life miserable for DeShavier and effectively closing the door on any hope of a Cavaliers comeback. 

FPD’s defense continued to dominate, and the offense maintained its methodical pace. Simmons and McHugh orchestrated a clock-chewing drive in the fourth quarter that resulted in a final FG, bringing the score to 45-3. The Cavaliers were unable to mount any substantial threat in the second half, with their offensive struggles magnified by Lincoln’s third interception of the day.

As the final whistle blew, the Vikings celebrated a victory that not only solidified their position at the top of the standings but also sent a clear message to the rest of the region: FPD is a force to be reckoned with. The win sets the stage for an anticipated rivalry game against Stratford Academy next week, a matchup that has everyone in the FPD camp excited.

When asked how he plans to keep his team focused heading into such a significant game, Collier emphasized the importance of discipline and preparation. “I’m proud of the guys for staying focused despite the rivalry game next week and the hurricane. We take things one game at a time, and I’m proud of how we performed today.”

With momentum firmly on their side and key players like Simmons, Lincoln and Thomley firing on all cylinders, FPD looks poised to continue their winning ways. 

Meanwhile, Mount de Sales will need to regroup and address several key issues before their next contest against Tattnall Square Academy, hoping to bounce back from this tough loss.