Pioneer Football League Coaches Pick Campbell Seventh

ST. LOUIS — In the Pioneer Football League's Preseason Coaches' Poll, announced this afternoon, Campbell's football program was predicted to finish seventh in the conference.

The Camels (3-8, 2-6 PFL) return six All-PFL performers this season in offensive linemen Sam Issermoyer, Branden Burt and Jeremy Hill, defensive lineman Randel Herring, defensive back Jared Hart and punter Ted Moore. The Camels led the conference in rushing in 2010 with 2,285 yards and had three returning players that ranked among the league leaders in Rashaun Brown (673), Carl Smith (502) and C.J. Oates (373). 

The seventh place predicted finish is one place higher than last year's prediction and is the highest preseason ranking since the program was restarted and joined the PFL. CU received 33 total points.

Jacksonville is the predicted champion and received eight of the 10 first-place votes and 80 points overall. The Dolphins earned a share of its second PFL title last season with an 8-0 record in league only play. Dayton, which also earned a share of the 2010 PFL Championship, was picked second with 69 points and one first-place vote. Drake was picked to finish third with 61 points and nabbed the remaining first-place vote. 

Behind the top three teams were San Diego (59 points), Butler (47), Morehead State (38), Campbell, Marist (31), Davidson (23) and Valparaiso (nine).

The poll consisted of voting among the 10 member school coaches in the league with no coach allowed to vote for their own team. 

There are no changes to the league schedule in 2011, with each team playing an eight-game slate – teams will not play one of the league members on a two-year rotational basis. The Camels will not play Dayton this season. The 2011 Pioneer Football League schedule gets underway Thursday, Sept. 1. The Camels open the 2011 conference slate on Sept. 24 with a 1 p.m. game at home against Jacksonville.

Campbell continues fall camp tomorrow morning with a 9:20 a.m. session in preparation for the opening day at Old Dominion at 6 p.m. on Sep. 3. 

2011 Pioneer Football League Preseason Poll

1. Jacksonville (8) – 80 pts.

2. Dayton (1) – 69 pts.

3. Drake (1) – 61 pts.

4. San Diego – 59 pts.

5. Butler – 47 pts.

6. Morehead State – 38 pts.

7. Campbell – 33 pts.

8. Marist – 31 pts.

9. Davidson – 23 pts.

10. Valparaiso – 9 pts.

First-place votes in parentheses