NKyTribune staff
Lindsey Wilson and Cumberlands (Ky.) are co-favorites to capture the Mid-South Conference Bluegrass Division, according to the preseason coaches’ poll that was released on Friday.
Thomas More — which joins the Mid-South and NAIA as a full member this season — was picked eighth in the Bluegrass Division. The Saints finished with a 7-3 record last fall while competing at the NCAA Division III level.
Lindsey Wilson received 42 total points from the head coaches within the Bluegrass Division, including two of the eight first-place votes. Coaches are not allowed to vote for their own team.
Lindsey Wilson is tied atop the preseason poll with Bluegrass newcomer Cumberlands (Ky.). The Patriots also received 42 points and a pair of first-place votes.
In addition to Cumberlands, Pikeville moves from the Appalachian Division to the Bluegrass and Mid-South Conference newcomer Thomas More helps to form perhaps the toughest division in NAIA football.
Lindsey Wilson posted a 7-3 overall record last season, including a 4-2 mark in the Bluegrass. Cumberlands finished second in the Appalachian last season, posting a 10-2 overall record and a 5-1 mark within its division.
Defending Bluegrass Division champion Bethel (Tenn.) is third with 41 points and four first-place votes. Georgetown (Ky.) is fourth with 35 points, while Campbellsville is fifth with 22 points.
Pikeville (19 voting points), Cumberland (Tenn.) (16), and Thomas More (7) complete the preseason poll.
Reinhardt (Ga.) is the favorite in the Appalachian Division, while Southeastern (Fla.) is picked to win the Sun Division.
Thomas More opens the season Aug. 31 at 7 p.m. by hosting Kentucky Christian at BB&T Field.
Mid-South Conference Bluegrass Division
Preseason Football Coaches’ Poll
Pos., Team, (Total Points)
1. (tie) Cumberlands (42 points, 2 first-place votes)
1. (te) Lindsey Wilson (42 points, 2 first-place votes)
3. Bethel (Tenn.) (41 points, 4 first-place votes)
4. Georgetown (35 points)
5. Campbellsville (22 points)
6. Pikeville (19 points)
7. Cumberland (16 points)
8. Thomas More (7 points)
(Information compiled from the Mid-South Conference, Lindsey Wilson and staff reports)
