MSSU football picked to finish 12th in MIAA

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Kansas City, Kan. -- The Missouri Southern football team has been picked to finish 12th this season as the MIAA released both its coaches and media preseason polls at Media Day held at Children's Mercy Park.

The Lions finished last season 0-11, but 2018 is a new year and Head Coach Denver Johnson said the team is ready to put that season behind them. Joining Johnson will be a new coaching staff which will see former Lion Joe Bettasso come on board as the defensive coordinator and Demo Odems III as the offensive coordinator. Also new to the fold will be Mike Fanoga (defensive line), Paul An (tight ends, h-backs), Byron Anderson (secondary), Cody Green (quarterbacks), and Casey Carlo (linebackers).

Southern returns three players that earned All-MIAA honors from a year ago in offensive linemen Aaron Leo and Mike Dzierzega, as well as linebacker Roc Robbins. Also back after a year off is Justin Legier who will help step up and solidify the linebackers for the Lions. The Lions return 50 letter winners from a year ago and 14 starters (seven on offense and seven on defense).

Northwest Missouri was the league favorite in both the coaches and media poll with Fort Hays State, Central Missouri and Pittsburg State two through four in both polls, as well. The coaches had Central Oklahoma and Emporia State tied for fifth, followed by Washburn, Lindenwood, Missouri Western, Nebraska-Kearney, Northeastern State and the Lions. The media had Emporia State fifth, followed by Central Oklahoma, Washburn, Missouri Western, Lindenwood, Nebraska-Kearney, Northeastern State and the Lions.

Southern opens the regular season on August 30 at Nebraska-Kearney. The Lions will play their home opener on September 8 at Fred G. Hughes Stadium with a 6 pm kickoff.

Coaches Poll

1. Northwest Missouri (4)....................... 103
2. Fort Hays State (5)............................... 102
3. Central Missouri (2)............................... 96
4. Pittsburg State....................................... 81
5.-t Central Oklahoma............................... 67
5.-t Emporia State...................................... 67
7. Washburn.............................................. 63
8. Lindenwood........................................... 46
9. Missouri Western.................................. 40
10. Nebraska-Kearney............................... 30
11. Northeastern State.............................. 19
12. Missouri Southern.............................. 12

Media Poll

1. Northwest Missouri (14)..................... 382
2. Fort Hays State (13)............................. 375
3. Central Missouri (6)............................. 349
4. Pittsburg State (1)................................ 311
5. Emporia State...................................... 243
6. Central Oklahoma................................ 243
7. Washburn............................................ 223
8. Missouri Western................................ 171
9. Lindenwood......................................... 160
10. Nebraska-Kearney............................... 98
11. Northeastern State.............................. 66
12. Missouri Southern.............................. 45