The NAIA pre-season football poll came out earlier this afternoon and the Red Raiders were seventh in the first rating of the 2007 season. Coach Otten's squad received 300 total points and are one of three GPAC teams in the top 11. Defending champion USF (1) and Morningside (11) represent the other ranked league teams.
The Red Raiders finished the 2006 season ranked sixth and earned one of 16 berths in the NAIA Post-Season Championship Series. they defeated Black Hills State in the first round but lost to #4 Missouri Valley in the quarterfinals, 33-26. NWC finished with an 11-2 overall mark.
Coach Otten's squad began practice yesterday and will open the season on the road, Sept. 1, in Lincoln, Neb., against Nebraska Wesleyan.
Complete pre-season ranking http://www.naia.org
2008 media guide
