Oskaloosa–The William Penn football team will come into the fall as a darkhorse as the 2022 Heart of America Athletic Conference Coaches’ Polls were released Friday.
The Statesmen, who were 3-8 (2-3 North) last year, are picked to finish fourth in the North Division with 14 points.
Grand View is slated to earn its fourth-consecutive North crown with 25 points and five first-place votes. Culver-Stockton follows closely behind with 21 points and the final first-place vote.
Peru State holds at third with 15 points, while Clarke (8) and Graceland (6) complete the North standings.
After losing its first South crown in five years, Baker is expected to return to the top with 24 points and four first-place nods. Benedictine is right there as well with 22 points and the final two first-place ballots.
Defending South champion Central Methodist is next in third with 14 points, while Evangel (13) and MidAmerica Nazarene (12) are fourth and fifth, respectively. Missouri Valley rounds out the standings with five points.
Champions from both divisions earn at automatic berth to the NAIA Football Championship Series which will begin on November 19.
William Penn’s 2022 campaign begins in Atchison, Kan. on August 27 against Benedictine. The navy and gold open their home slate on September 3 against Baker, one of six games at Statesmen Community Stadium. Homecoming is set for October 1 against Central Methodist, while Senior Day will be November 5 versus Clarke.
2022 Heart North Division Preseason Coaches’ Poll
(First Place Votes)
1. Grand View–25 (5)
2. Culver-Stockton–21 (1)
3. Peru State–15
4. William Penn–14
5. Clarke–8
6. Graceland–6
2022 Heart South Division Preseason Coaches’ Poll
(First Place Votes)
1. Baker–24 (4)
2. Benedictine–22 (2)
3. Central Methodist–14
4. Evangel–13
5. MidAmerica Nazarene–12
6. Missouri Valley–5
