The rivalry between Stratford and First Presbyterian Day School was the most heated private school rivalry in Middle Georgia from the moment FPD opened its doors in 1970 until they exited the GISA in 2010.

For 40 years, Eagles and Vikings fought for bragging rights as the top academic and athletic school in Macon.  But the rivalry went on hiatus when FPD announced that they would join the GHSA, a more competitive athletic conference in which both private and public schools compete.

But when Stratford announced its decision in the spring of 2013 to join the GHSA, the stage was set for the renewal of the rivalry this fall.

This year’s senior class was in 7th grade when FPD and Stratford last played one another.  While Stratford maintained other rivalries in Macon and the GISA — most notably with Mount De Sales Academy and Tattnall Square Academy — none quite measured up to the intensity of Stratford-FPD match-ups.

“After we stopped playing FPD, we didn’t really have another big rivalry, so football games weren’t as fun,” senior cheerleader Ginny Lane Sheridan said.  “I think we will do well. They are underestimating us in football, but they are forgetting that we also will be playing them in other sports and debate.”

“We are coming for you,” Sheridan added.

Students at FPD also are excited for the chance to play the Eagles again, even if they are hoping for a much different outcome.

“Your football team will obviously be very good this year because you have a great coach, Mark Farriba, who coached my dad to a state championship,” said FPD junior, varsity tennis player, and Viking superfan Josh Wilson.

Wilson assured the Gazebo that FPD will be “very prepared” when the Viking football team hosts the Eagles on Oct. 3 in the most anticipated match-up between the two schools this year.

For students who have switched between Stratford and FPD in recent years, the renewal of the rivalry will be a test of loyalty.

“The thing I miss most about playing FPD is we no longer talk trash to each other,” said junior John Michael O’Quinn, who started school at FPD, then went to Stratford before transferring to Tattnall, and finally returned the Eagle fold last year.

But O’Quinn is eager to get his chance to show his Eagle spirit against his old school.

“The Stratford family is all in.  We are not only capable of being able to compete against FPD, but are capable to compete with all the other schools in the GHSA,” he said.

So far this fall, the Eagles have only played the Vikings once, a varsity softball game on Aug. 28.  The Vikings won the game 6-1.

But the Eagles will have more chances against the Vikings, and even in defeat Stratford is happy to have its old nemesis back.