FB: Mustangs picked second in annual preseason LSC poll

WICHITA FALLS, Texas - The Midwestern State Mustangs were picked to finish second in the Lone Star Conference's South Division by a panel of coaches, sports information directors and selected media representatives when the league released its annual preseason poll on Monday.

The Mustangs, who advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division II national playoffs on the way to a 10-3 overall record, tallied a pair of first-place votes to finish with 106 points which was 22 points behind preseason favorite Abilene Christian, who tallied 12 first-place votes and 128 overall points.

Tarleton State was picked third after receiving four first-place votes good for 104 points to finish just ahead of the two-time defending division champion West Texas A&M Buffs, who got the other two first-place votes and 100 points.

Texas A&M-Kingsville (49), Angelo State (42) and Eastern New Mexico were picked fifth, sixth and seventh, respectively.

Abilene Christian junior quarterback Billy Malone was named the division's Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, while West Texas A&M's Jared Brock was named Preseason Defensive Player of the Year.

Southeastern Oklahoma State is favored to win its fourth-straight LSC North Division title after picking up 10 first-place votes to finish head of Southwestern Oklahoma, Texas A&M-Commerce, Northeastern State, Central Oklahoma and East Central.

Central Oklahoma senior linebacker Will Clewis and Northeastern State wide receiver Jarrett Byers were named North Division Preseason Defensive and Offensive Players of the Year, respectively.

The Mustangs will be begin their quest for a repeat trip to the NCAA Division II postseason when they battle Adams State on Aug. 25 in Alamosa, Colo.

LSC Preseason Poll

South Division

North Division