Post by rainman on Aug 29, 2007 7:53:54 GMT -5
For our Shepherd fan and others who may be interested in the WVIAC.
Shepherd Favored in WVIAC Grid Coaches' Poll
August 6, 2007
(PRINCETON, W.Va.)--Three-time defending WVIAC football champion Shepherd University is the heavy favorite to defend their title in a vote of league coaches. The Rams, winners of their past 23 league contests, received eight of nine first place votes to easily top the pre-season balloting.
Glenville State placed second in the voting, while West Liberty State was third. The University of Charleston grabbed one first place vote to hold down the fourth spot. Fairmont State, Concord, West Virginia State, and West Virginia Wesleyan are in the fifth through eighth positions. WVIAC newcomer Seton Hill ended up in the final spot. The Griffins are playing a full conference schedule, but are not eligible for the championship.
Shepherd (11-1, 7-0) returns 13 starters from a squad that reached the NCAA Division II quarterfinals and finished eighth in the final coaches' poll. Running back Dervon Wallace accounted for 1300 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2006 and is poised for another big year with four returning offensive lineman.
The Rams must replace quarterback Dan Chlebowski, but Tyler Lazear earned valuable experience last season. Lazear completed 50 of 87 passes for 522 yards and six touchdowns. Mark Springirth (38 rec.) and Craig Tremel (30 rec.) should be the top targets in the SU passing game.
All-time WVIAC and NCAA Division II career interception leader Dan Peters has departed from a Ram defense that led the country in points per game in 2006. The Rams only gave up 88 points in a dozen contests and held their first eight foes to a touchdown or less. DL Michael Spielgelberg, LB Lewis Corum, and LB Joey Hooks should help Monte Cater's squad field their traditionally strong defense.
Glenville State (5-6, 4-3) hopes to climb up the WVIAC ladder after finishing in sole possession or in a tie for second place during the past four seasons. The Pioneers look to rely on a stingy defense in 2007 that is paced by the linebacker duo of Jacquez Taylor (81 tackles) and Jacob Lilly (87 tackles). Defensive back Troy Cloud rates as one of the league's fastest players.
Four of five offensive line starters are back for head coach Alan Fiddler. Senior Jason Atteberry (6-4, 300) heads up the bulky Pioneer offensive front. TE Emery Williams and RB Jared Dearing are among the top returning skill position players for GSC.
West Liberty State (7-4, 4-3) posted their second straight winning mark for head coach Roger Waialae in 2006. Things are still looking up in the Northern Panhandle as 17 starters return on the hilltop.
The Toppers must find someone to fill the shoes of the all-conference passing combination of Jay Guillion to Renard Stevens. The cupboard isn't bare with the likes of RB Eddie Hills (1105 rush yds) and WR Almonzo Banks (67 rec, 977 yds) still on hand.
All-American defensive back Darren Banks was second in Division II in 2006 with ten interceptions and will key the Hilltopper stop troops.
Charleston (5-6, 4-3) continues their building program under third year head coach Tony DeMeo. The Golden Eagles are another contender that must replace their signal caller as four-year starter Corey Isner exits. WR Terrance Spencer (60 rec.) and RB Josh Culbertson (570 rush yds) provide a foundation for UC's attack.
LeDominique Williams (90 tackles) and Antonio Smith (81 tackles) are a productive duo for the Charleston defense.
Fairmont State (4-7, 3-4) ended 2006 with the momentum of back-to-back season-ending victories. The bad news is that the Falcons' all-time leading rusher, Wendell Johnson, isn't among 15 returning starters. All-WVIAC offensive lineman Kyle Robinette hopes to provide junior quarterback John Rahl (88-200-14, 1166 yds) with plenty of time to pass.
Bookends Brandon Geary and Jacob Owens are the linchpins of the Falcon defensive line, along with tackle Jesse Valentine. Outside linebacker Shahram Shafii (77 tackles) earned All-WVIAC first team mention in 2006. DB Matt Vujaklya was a special teams demon with a pair of blocked kicks last season.
The league's most interesting position changes will take place at Concord (3-8, 3-4). Standout wide receiver Dustin Greenwood will make the switch to quarterback as the Mountain Lions move to a spread option attack. The senior rushed for 232 yards in a loss to nationally ranked North Greenville in his only start under center last season. TE Ron Buskey gives Greenwood a big target.
CU also has an impact position change on the defensive side of the ball as Marshall transfer Tank Tunstalle will be at linebacker. Defensive back Ola Adams notched 93 tackles in 2006 and picked off three passes.
Head coach Earl Monroe infused a new attitude at West Virginia State (5-6, 2-5) last season and the Yellow Jackets look to continue the improvement in 2007. Five starters will be back on each side of the ball for the Jackets.
Two-sport standout Kevin O'Brien passed for 1897 yards as a rookie and helped the Jacket baseball team to a league crown. WR Jayson Moore was O'Brien's favorite receiver in 2006 with 29 catches. DB Brandon Truesdale (81 tackles) and LB Mark Stolle (105 tackles) lead what is anticipated to be a stubborn defense.
West Virginia Wesleyan (2-8, 1-6) suffered through a rough 2006 under veteran head coach Bill Struble. WR/KR Bryan Overton (335 rec. yds) led Division II in kickoff returns and is a big play threat from anywhere on the field. Fellow senior Alex Puente (18 rec.) should pair with Overton to comprise a strong receiving corps. LB Donovan Godwin (13 TFL) is the top returning defensive player for the Bobcats.
Seton Hill (2-9) looks to take a big leap forward in the program's third season. 20 starters are back on hand for the Griffins, including all eleven on offense. RB Antwarn Jones rambled for 902 yards as a rookie last season. Linebackers Mark Hartz (89 tackles) and Rob Ellis (85 tackles) are the keys on defense. Defensive lineman Jarrett Highsmith contributed nine sacks.
2007 WVIAC Football Coaches' Poll
1. Shepherd (8)
79
2. Glenville State
65
3. West Liberty State
64
4. Charleston (1)
58
5. Fairmont State
35
6. Concord
31
7. West Virginia State
30
8. West Virginia Wesleyan
26
9. Seton Hill
14
Note: Seton Hill is not eligible for the WVIAC championship until the 2008 season, but the Griffins' games will count in the '07 league standings.
Shepherd Favored in WVIAC Grid Coaches' Poll
August 6, 2007
(PRINCETON, W.Va.)--Three-time defending WVIAC football champion Shepherd University is the heavy favorite to defend their title in a vote of league coaches. The Rams, winners of their past 23 league contests, received eight of nine first place votes to easily top the pre-season balloting.
Glenville State placed second in the voting, while West Liberty State was third. The University of Charleston grabbed one first place vote to hold down the fourth spot. Fairmont State, Concord, West Virginia State, and West Virginia Wesleyan are in the fifth through eighth positions. WVIAC newcomer Seton Hill ended up in the final spot. The Griffins are playing a full conference schedule, but are not eligible for the championship.
Shepherd (11-1, 7-0) returns 13 starters from a squad that reached the NCAA Division II quarterfinals and finished eighth in the final coaches' poll. Running back Dervon Wallace accounted for 1300 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2006 and is poised for another big year with four returning offensive lineman.
The Rams must replace quarterback Dan Chlebowski, but Tyler Lazear earned valuable experience last season. Lazear completed 50 of 87 passes for 522 yards and six touchdowns. Mark Springirth (38 rec.) and Craig Tremel (30 rec.) should be the top targets in the SU passing game.
All-time WVIAC and NCAA Division II career interception leader Dan Peters has departed from a Ram defense that led the country in points per game in 2006. The Rams only gave up 88 points in a dozen contests and held their first eight foes to a touchdown or less. DL Michael Spielgelberg, LB Lewis Corum, and LB Joey Hooks should help Monte Cater's squad field their traditionally strong defense.
Glenville State (5-6, 4-3) hopes to climb up the WVIAC ladder after finishing in sole possession or in a tie for second place during the past four seasons. The Pioneers look to rely on a stingy defense in 2007 that is paced by the linebacker duo of Jacquez Taylor (81 tackles) and Jacob Lilly (87 tackles). Defensive back Troy Cloud rates as one of the league's fastest players.
Four of five offensive line starters are back for head coach Alan Fiddler. Senior Jason Atteberry (6-4, 300) heads up the bulky Pioneer offensive front. TE Emery Williams and RB Jared Dearing are among the top returning skill position players for GSC.
West Liberty State (7-4, 4-3) posted their second straight winning mark for head coach Roger Waialae in 2006. Things are still looking up in the Northern Panhandle as 17 starters return on the hilltop.
The Toppers must find someone to fill the shoes of the all-conference passing combination of Jay Guillion to Renard Stevens. The cupboard isn't bare with the likes of RB Eddie Hills (1105 rush yds) and WR Almonzo Banks (67 rec, 977 yds) still on hand.
All-American defensive back Darren Banks was second in Division II in 2006 with ten interceptions and will key the Hilltopper stop troops.
Charleston (5-6, 4-3) continues their building program under third year head coach Tony DeMeo. The Golden Eagles are another contender that must replace their signal caller as four-year starter Corey Isner exits. WR Terrance Spencer (60 rec.) and RB Josh Culbertson (570 rush yds) provide a foundation for UC's attack.
LeDominique Williams (90 tackles) and Antonio Smith (81 tackles) are a productive duo for the Charleston defense.
Fairmont State (4-7, 3-4) ended 2006 with the momentum of back-to-back season-ending victories. The bad news is that the Falcons' all-time leading rusher, Wendell Johnson, isn't among 15 returning starters. All-WVIAC offensive lineman Kyle Robinette hopes to provide junior quarterback John Rahl (88-200-14, 1166 yds) with plenty of time to pass.
Bookends Brandon Geary and Jacob Owens are the linchpins of the Falcon defensive line, along with tackle Jesse Valentine. Outside linebacker Shahram Shafii (77 tackles) earned All-WVIAC first team mention in 2006. DB Matt Vujaklya was a special teams demon with a pair of blocked kicks last season.
The league's most interesting position changes will take place at Concord (3-8, 3-4). Standout wide receiver Dustin Greenwood will make the switch to quarterback as the Mountain Lions move to a spread option attack. The senior rushed for 232 yards in a loss to nationally ranked North Greenville in his only start under center last season. TE Ron Buskey gives Greenwood a big target.
CU also has an impact position change on the defensive side of the ball as Marshall transfer Tank Tunstalle will be at linebacker. Defensive back Ola Adams notched 93 tackles in 2006 and picked off three passes.
Head coach Earl Monroe infused a new attitude at West Virginia State (5-6, 2-5) last season and the Yellow Jackets look to continue the improvement in 2007. Five starters will be back on each side of the ball for the Jackets.
Two-sport standout Kevin O'Brien passed for 1897 yards as a rookie and helped the Jacket baseball team to a league crown. WR Jayson Moore was O'Brien's favorite receiver in 2006 with 29 catches. DB Brandon Truesdale (81 tackles) and LB Mark Stolle (105 tackles) lead what is anticipated to be a stubborn defense.
West Virginia Wesleyan (2-8, 1-6) suffered through a rough 2006 under veteran head coach Bill Struble. WR/KR Bryan Overton (335 rec. yds) led Division II in kickoff returns and is a big play threat from anywhere on the field. Fellow senior Alex Puente (18 rec.) should pair with Overton to comprise a strong receiving corps. LB Donovan Godwin (13 TFL) is the top returning defensive player for the Bobcats.
Seton Hill (2-9) looks to take a big leap forward in the program's third season. 20 starters are back on hand for the Griffins, including all eleven on offense. RB Antwarn Jones rambled for 902 yards as a rookie last season. Linebackers Mark Hartz (89 tackles) and Rob Ellis (85 tackles) are the keys on defense. Defensive lineman Jarrett Highsmith contributed nine sacks.
2007 WVIAC Football Coaches' Poll
1. Shepherd (8)
79
2. Glenville State
65
3. West Liberty State
64
4. Charleston (1)
58
5. Fairmont State
35
6. Concord
31
7. West Virginia State
30
8. West Virginia Wesleyan
26
9. Seton Hill
14
Note: Seton Hill is not eligible for the WVIAC championship until the 2008 season, but the Griffins' games will count in the '07 league standings.
