MACON, Ga. — Junior Major Simmons is optimistic about the postseason.
"I think we have a chance to go get a state championship," Simmons said.
Coming off winning it all in 2023, the FPD Vikings are ready to make another run to defend their title and so far their chances are looking good.
The Vikings are 8-1 and undefeated in their region despite graduating 20 seniors last season.
Head coach Brett Collier said they had a lot of adjustments to make.
"So many people had to step up in roles that maybe they didn't expect to or maybe roles they had to earn. We just had so many questions marks and this team's been great all of those questions have been answered," Collier said.
After quarterback Jakhari Williams moved on to play college ball at Syracuse, it was next guy up - and that guy was Major Simmons.
"I had a rough time last year and just had to step up and fill the offensive void. We were slow getting out this year but I feel like slowly we started turning and things are looking better now," Simmons said.
Confidence comes easy with the numbers he's had so far. Simmons has been named player of the week twice this year.
In September, he had four touchdowns against Westfield and 258 total yards. Earlier this month, he was back in the spotlight for having more than 300 yards and six touchdowns in one game.
The junior leads the Vikings at quarterback and strong safety.
"He does it all for us so it's huge," Collier said. "He does a great job and the team is better when he's out there playing, for sure."
With all of their changes from last season, many would have thought this would be a rebuilding year for the Vikings, but Collier said they've been able to avoid that noise.
"They don't really listen to outside noise or expectations, or it should be a rebuilding year, anything like that they just go out and play their best so we've got some good players, some talented players, but they play together as a unit as a team and I think that's why we are where we are," Collier said.
FPD has a big matchup ahead of them against the Tattnall Trojans. They're the only other undefeated team in the region.
Simmons said he really wants them to win the region, a milestone that would set them apart from last year's squad.
"I think it'd be awesome. It's something the team last year couldn't do and a great start to the playoffs...we're scrappy and we're going to hang around all four quarters," Simmons said.