OSKALOOSA — The William Penn football team is projected to make another step towards the top as the 2024 Heart of America Athletic Conference Coaches’ Polls were released Friday.

WPU, which was 4-6 (2-3 North) last year, is picked to place third out of seven teams in the North Division with 24 points.  This will serve as the second season for Head Coach Marc Benavidez at the helm of the navy and gold.

Grand View is expected to take the North crown with 36 points and six first-place votes, while Graceland is second with 30 points and the final first-place nod.

Peru State leads the remaining North teams with 23 points, while Clarke and Culver-Stockton are tied for fifth with 12 points apiece.  League newcomer St. Ambrose wraps up the division poll with 10 points.

Benedictine headlines the South Division with 35 points and five first-place nods, while Baker is a close runner-up with 31 points and a pair of first-place votes.

MidAmerica Nazarene is in the mix as well with 27 points, while Missouri Valley is in the middle with 19 points.  Missouri Baptist (17), Central Methodist (12), and Heart newcomer William Woods (6) finish the South rating.

Champions from both divisions earn automatic berths to the NAIA Football Championship Series which will begin on November 23.

WPU will begin its 10-game season at home on Thursday, August 29 against William Woods at 6 p.m.  It is the first of five home contests for the navy and gold in 2024.  William Penn’s Homecoming will be against Clarke on October 26, while Senior Day will be November 9 versus Culver-Stockton.

2024 Heart North Division Preseason Coaches’ Poll
(First Place Votes)
1. Grand View–36 (6)
2. Graceland–30 (1)
3. William Penn–24
4. Peru State–23
5. Clarke–12
5. Culver-Stockton–12
7. St. Ambrose–10

2024 Heart South Division Preseason Coaches’ Poll
(First Place Votes)
1. Benedictine–35 (5)
2. Baker–31 (2)
3. MidAmerica Nazarene–27
4. Missouri Valley–19
5. Missouri Baptist–17
6. Central Methodist–12
7. William Woods–6