ST. LOUIS – The Pioneer Football League’s coaches have tabbed San Diego as the preseason favorite in the PFL Preseason Coaches’ Poll, while receiving only two of the nine possible first-place votes.

While San Diego was picked to win, the league’s coaches also expect a competitive conference race as only 10 points separate the top four teams in the poll. Both second-picked Dayton (55 points) and third-chosen Davidson (51) received three first-place votes each and fourth-place Morehead State (48) picked up the remaining first-place tally.

Following Morehead State was Drake (36), Jacksonville (29), while Butler and Valparaiso were tied for seventh (19) and league-newcomer Campbell (9) rounded out the nine-team poll.

San Diego has won or shared the PFL title in each of the past three seasons, most recently splitting the 2007 crown with Dayton. The Toreros return 15 starters from that team, but will have to deal with the loss of PFL Defensive Player of the Year Eric Bakhitiari and two-time first-team All-PFL selection quarterback Josh Johnson. Things aren’t completely bleak for the league’s western-most squad as they return starting running back JT Rogan, who enters the season as the program’s leader in career touchdowns (46) and rushing yardage (2,967). Among the Toreros 14 starters, they return two first-team All-PFL honorees and four second-team selections.

Dayton was the league’s representative in the 2007 Gridiron Classic, defeating the Northeast Conference’s Albany, 42-21, and claiming The Sports Network FCS Mid-Major National Championship. Yet, the Flyers turned a significant page in their history as long-time head coach Mike Kelly stepped down after the season. In his place stands Dayton alumnus Rick Chamberlin, an All-American linebacker who graduated in 1978 and was a member of the UD coaching staff the previous 28 seasons. The new coach will inherit essentially a new team as only eight starters return from last season’s squad. Offensively, only two starters return – both linemen – while the defense returns seven starters.

Davidson returns 16 starters from last season’s team that finished fourth in the PFL race. The Wildcats will see their entire starting backfield return – quarterback Ryan Alexander, running back Chad Barnes and fullback Kirk Benedict. The one key loss offensively was wideout Ryan Hubbard, who led the PFL in receptions per game and was second in yardage. Defensively, linebackers Matt Easton and Peter Bakke both return after 60-plus tackle campaigns in 2007.

Morehead State was picked one spot below its third-place finish last season. The Eagles return six starters on each side of the ball but are another team entering 2008 with a new quarterback as 2007 starter Brian Yost graduated. Morehead State’s biggest defensive threat, cornerback David Hyland, returns after leading Division I FCS in interceptions (eight) in 2007. MSU also sees kicker Mason Webb return after making his mark as one of the nation’s best punters – averaging 39.5 yards per punt on his was to mid-major All-America recognition.

Drake fans also will see a new face leading the charge as Chris Creighton took the reins in December as the third coach in as many years. The Bulldogs will return only 11 starters this season – their fewest returning starters since 1993 – but among those lost was four-time first-team All-PFL running back Scott Phaydavong, who left as the team’s career leader in rushing yards, carries and touchdowns. However, Drake will have fifth-year senior Michael Bialas – Phaydavong’s understudy the past few seasons – to take over the rushing duties. Defensively, the Bulldogs return seven starters led by two-time first-team All-PFL safety Andy Green, who enters the campaign with 11 career interceptions.

Jacksonville finished last season tied for sixth and the league’s coaches leave the team there in the preseason poll. The Dolphins are another team that enters the preseason looking for a new quarterback as Chris Horton – the program’s all-time leading passer – left due to graduation. JU does return wide receiver Geavon Tribble, the team’s leading receiver last season, and defensive back Robson Noel, their leading tackler.

Butler will look to its 14 returning starters to improve on last season’s campaign. Chief among those returnees is junior tailback Scott Gray who led the PFL in scoring with 15 touchdowns in nine games. The Bulldogs also return their entire offensive front line, including senior Rob Noel. Defensively, Butler will have to fill the holes left by the Marzotto brothers – lineman Chris and linebacker Mike who are among five starters lost during the offseason, but leading tackler Derek Guggenberger returns.

Valparaiso will field an experience-laden squad as 18 starters return from last season’s sixth-place campaign. Wide receiver Steve Ogden will lead the Crusaders offense and enters 2008 with 2,162 career receiving yards – fifth most in program history. Defensively, linebacker Ryan Koepke and linemen Andrew Mack and Adam Rundh each return after receiving postseason recognition last year.

Campbell is the new kid on the block, both as a member of the PFL and as a football-playing institution. The Fighting Camels announced a return to football in April 2006 and named Dale Steele their head coach two months later. Now after two years of careful preparation, including a season of scrimmages in 2007, Campbell will take the field competitively. One hundred players were expected to report to preseason camp, Monday.

With Campbell’s addition, the league slate was modified for 2008 as the league will retain its eight-game conference schedule. Each league member will play all but one of the other league teams this season. Campbell and Jacksonville will get the league slate underway with a Sept. 13 contest. The league championship will be determined by regular-season play in 2008 and the champion will meet the Northeast Conference Champion in the third Gridiron Classic, Dec. 6. 

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