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FPD Honors Football State Champion Teams of 1980 & 1985

Prior to the 2015 Homecoming Game, FPD honored the 1980 & 1985 Football State Champion Teams. Members of the team were recognized on the field and served as honorary captains.

1980 Team

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The 1980 team finished with a season record of 11-2 and 3-1 in region play. The Vikings started the season on  a two game winning streak with victories over Jonesco and River North. After a bump in the road against Savannah Christian, Coach Bobby Brown and his Vikings rattled off six straight wins that included three shutouts and wins over Stratford, Southland, Tattnall, and Westfield. In the six-game winning streak, FPD outscored their opponents 168-17.

Following a loss at Windsor, it was time for the State Tournament. FPD knocked out Deerfield Windsor on the road 21-7 followed by a 28-21 avenged win against Savannah Christian on the road again.

The final hurdle: Bringing home the State Championship – and the Vikings did in what is still considered to this day a classic. The Vikings played at home and defeated Pinewood Christian 23-21 in overtime on November 28, 1980 to earn the school’s first football state title!

1985 Team

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The Vikings started the 1985 season on fire, claiming five wins over Mount de Sales, GMC Prep, Westfield, Calvary Day, and Savannah Christian.

After what would be the team’s only loss of the year at Southland, the Vikings would win out the rest of the regular season with victories over Stratford, Windsor, Tattnall, and Monroe Academy. In that four game winning streak, FPD recorded three shutouts and put up an average of 42.5 points per game while allowing opponents just over 3 points per contest.

Playing the entire postseason at home in front of Viking Nation, FPD won its quarterfinal game over Westfield, followed by a semi-final victory over Southland. Just one more to go! Standing between the Vikings and the State Title was Riverview Academy. In fitting fashion, FPD didn’t disappoint. The Viking defense rose to the occasion and the offense provided just enough for FPD to earns its second state title in school history by defeating Riverview 7-0!