The Missouri Southern football team has been picked to finish seventh in both the MIAA coaches and media preseason football polls as announced by the league office Monday as part of MIAA Media Day in Kansas City.
Southern returns eight starters on offense and nine on defense from a season ago. Seniors Johnny Johnson, Toderick Hunt and Isaac Norman headline the eight starters returning on the offensive side of the ball. Johnson will make a move to the offensive backfield this season as he will serve time as a slot back. Senior Chris Norris and sophomore Ian Saxton return on the offensive line and junior fullback Anthon Aiono returns to the starting lineup after missing last season with a knee injury. Tight ends Korie Henry and Scott Clipp also return.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Lions return nine players, including senior preseason All-American linebacker Jared Brawner. Brawner led the MIAA in tackles last season and was a first team All-MIAA pick, as well as being named All-Region and All-American. Juniors Justin Cowper and Corderial Collier and senior Skyler Vandiver return in the defensive backfield, while the Lions return three starters on the defensive line in seniors David Benham and Jairius Jarvis, as well as junior Nick Teer. Juniors Josh Woodard and Dusty Bratzler return to give the Lions all three starting linebackers from a season ago.
Defending champ and national runner up from a season ago Northwest Missouri was the pick in both polls to repeat as champs of the league this season. The coaches then ranked Pittsburg State second, followed by Central Missouri, Washburn, Missouri Western, Nebraska-Omaha, Southern, Emporia State, Truman and Fort Hays. Northwest earned 80 points, while second place PSU picked up 71.
In the media poll, Pittsburg State was once again picked second, followed by Central Missouri, Nebraska-Omaha, Missouri Western, Washburn, Southern, Emporia State, Truman and Fort Hays. Members of the media covering each of the schools in the league voted on the poll.
Southern opens the 2009 season at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, at Harding University. The Lions home opener is slated for Saturday, Sept. 19, with a game against Emporia State.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. —
