The Emporia State football team has been selected to finish 6th by the Coaches and Media in the preseason polls released Wednesday at the MIAA media day.
The Hornets are coming off a 8-4 season and won their last 4 games and 6 of their last 7. Coach Garin Higgins hopes to build off that finish.
Emporia State returns 13 starters, 9 on defense. Senior Gary Woods returns as a defensive back.
Linebacker Jace McDown, who led the MIAA with 127 total tackles, hopes to pick up where they left off last season.
On the offense the returning experience is on the line. Senior Austin Unterreiner is one of the returnees.
Running back Kia Callins is ready for the chance to show what he is capable of doing.
The big question for Coach Garin Higgins was about who would be the next starting quarterback.
The Hornets hold their first practice August 12th.
Fort Hays State is the pick to win the conference by the Coaches. Fort Hays is the defending MIAA Champion. Coach Chris Brown says they can take nothing for granted.
Northwest Missouri State is the pick of the Media. Coach Rich Wright says they have a chance to very good again.
Pittsburg State was selected 3rd in both the Coaches and Media polls. Coach Tim Beck says their strength will be up front.
The rest of the coaches poll has Central Oklahoma 4th, Central Missouri 5th. After Emporia State its Missouri Western, Washburn, Nebraska Kearney, Missouri Southern, Northeastern State and Lincoln.
In the Media poll Central Missouri 4th, Central Oklahoma 5th. After Emporia State its Missouri Western, Washburn, Nebraska Kearney, Missouri Southern, Northeastern State and Lincoln.
