Coaches, sports information directors pick Bobcats, who won first outright Southland title last season

Texas State, coming off its first outright Southland Conference title and its first league football championship since 2005, is favored by both the coaches and sports information directors to repeat as conference champion in 2009, the league announced Wednesday at its annual media day gathering at the L’Auberge du Lac Resort.

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The Bobcats received two first-place votes in the coaches’ poll and five in the SID poll, giving the defending champs seven first-place votes. Voters could not vote for their own team.

Coach Brad Wright and the Bobcats return 13 starters, including eight on offense, and 43 lettermen. Texas State, which finished 8-5 overall and 5-2 in Southland play, will be trying to record back-to-back winning seasons since the 1990 and 1991 seasons.

McNeese State, which won back-to-back Southland championships in 2006 and 2007, is picked second in both polls. The Cowboys will be bolstered by the return of tailback Toddrick Pendland, the 2008 Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Year. McNeese, which received one first-place vote, returns just nine starters, but has 46 lettermen back from a squad that finished 7-4 overall and 4-3 in 2008. The Bobcats edged the Cowboys by three points, 42-39, in the coaches’ poll and by just two votes, 45-43, in the SID poll.

Northwestern State was picked third in the coaches’ poll and received two first-place votes for 38 total points. Central Arkansas was tabbed for a third-place finish in the SID poll, getting 38 votes. The Bears, which will not be eligible to compete for a league championship until the 2010 season following their transition to Division I, were picked fourth in the coaches’ poll with 37 points. The Demons were picked fourth in the SID poll with 26 points.

Central Arkansas enters its third season in Southland play and is coming off its best season since joining the league, going 10-2 overall and boasting the best record in conference play at 6-1. The Bears, which return defensive end Larry Hart, the Southland’s defensive player of the year in 2008, join the Bobcats as the only teams to receive at least two first-place votes in both polls.

Stephen F. Austin was picked to finish fifth in both polls, netting 24 points in the coaches’ poll and 20 points in the SID poll. The Lumberjacks, which return wide receiver Duane Brooks, the 2008 Newcomer of the Year, received one first-place vote in the coaches’ poll.

The remaining sixth-, seventh- and eighth-place teams in the coaches’ poll are Sam Houston State (17), Nicholls (14) and Southeastern Louisiana (13), respectively. The Bearkats were also picked sixth in the SID poll though the Lions and Colonels switched spots to seventh and eighth, respectively.

Southland Conference Preseason Polls

Coaches’ Poll
Pl. School (First-Place Votes)……………… Pts.
1. Texas State (2)………………………………….. 43
2. McNeese State (1)……………………………. 39
3. Northwestern State (2)…………………….. 38
4. Central Arkansas (2)…………………………. 37
5. Stephen F. Austin (1)……………………….. 24
6. Sam Houston State…………………………… 17
7. Nicholls……………………………………………. 14
8. Southeastern Louisiana……………………. 13

Sports Information Directors POLL
Pl. School (First-Place Votes)……………… Pts.
1. Texas State (5)………………………………….. 45
2. McNeese State (1)……………………………. 43
3. Central Arkansas (2)…………………………. 38
4. Northwestern State………………………….. 26
5. Stephen F. Austin…………………………….. 20
6. Sam Houston State…………………………… 19
7. Southeastern Louisiana……………………. 18
8. Nicholls……………………………………………. 15

Southland Announces 2009 Preseason All-Conference Football Teams

McNeese State’s Toddrick Pendland, Central Arkansas’ Larry Hart are returning offensive, defensive players of the year

McNeese senior tailback Toddrick Pendland and Central Arkansas defensive lineman Larry Hart highlight the 2009 Southland Conference preseason all-conference football teams, which were announced Wednesday at the league’s football media day at the L’Auberge du Lac Resort.

Pendland was the conference offensive of the year in 2008, while Hart was the league’s defensive player of the year. In total, the two preseason teams include a pair of returning 1,000-yard rushers and a handful of All-Americans.

Each of the eight universities garnered at least three selections to the two preseason all-conference teams. Central Arkansas led all teams with 15 honorees, including a league-best eight on the first team, while no other team had more than McNeese State’s and Northwestern State’s nine preseason all-conference picks. Texas State netted seven players to either the first or second team, while Stephen F. Austin had five, Nicholls and Sam Houston State had four apiece and Southeastern had three.

While Central Arkansas was picked to finish no higher than third in the preseason polls, the Bears, with their 15 preseason all-conference selections, should have the talent to compete for the league’s best record for the second consecutive season. Led by Hart, the Bears comprised nearly half of the first-team defense with six selections.

Hart, a senior and former transfer from Holmes College, finished his first campaign for the Bears with an impressive 12 sacks among his 43 tackles. He is joined on the preseason first-team defense by senior defensive backs Pieri Feazell and Anthony Gambles, both first-team all-conference selections in 2008, senior defensive lineman Taylor Scott and senior linebacker James Lancaster. Junior defensive back Henry Minor, senior punter Jonathan Beard and sophomore return specialist T.J. Adams were named to the second team.

Included among Central Arkansas’ six preseason offensive honorees are three first-teamers. Senior fullback Nick Cowger and senior offensive linemen Lane Friewald and Will Merritt hope to maintain stability in an offense that last year outscored its opponents by 142 points while combining for nearly 5,300 yards of total offense. In addition, the Bears three second-team selections include senior running back Brent Grimes, junior wideout Willie Landers and senior lineman Casey Thurber.

One of two teams with nine preseason all-conference picks, McNeese State boasts more first-team offensive players than any other program. Pendland hopes to again headline the Cowboys’ offensive attack and get the team back into the conference championship hunt. The Associated Press second-team All-American in 2008 set the program’s single-season rushing record with 1,431 yards, the sixth best total in the nation.

Joining Pendland on the first team is senior quarterback Derrick Fourroux, the owner of a 24-10 record as the Cowboys’ starting signal caller. Also earning first-team honors are senior tight end Wes Mangan and senior lineman Casey Richter. Senior fullback Brandon Broussard and senior receiver Immanuel Friddle garnered second-team offense honors. McNeese State also had three named second-team defense in senior linebacker Deron Minor, the team’s tackles leader in 2008, junior lineman Terrance Freeman and sophomore defensive back Darrell Jenkins.

Only one of Northwestern State’s nine honorees earned a preseason first-team designation, but opponents who take the Demons’ defense lightly could be in for a rude awakening in 2009. Leading the Demons’ charge will be first-team defensive back and senior leader Wesley Eckles. The Mansfield, La., native enters his final campaign with 113 career tackles, including a 2008 season that saw him make 89 tackles, and he is a reigning first-team all-conference selection.

Five of Northwestern State’s eight second-team honorees also come on the defensive side of the ball. Senior Albert Smith and junior Ledell Love will look to anchor the defensive line while senior defensive backs Gary Riggs and Kasey Brown should allow the Demons’ to possess a dominant defensive secondary. Included among the Demons’ second-team offensive selections are senior tight end Gordon Freeman and linemen Marcus Washington, a senior, and Michael Booker, a junior.

The reigning Southland Conference champion, Texas State clocks in with three first-team preseason all-conference picks and four second-team selections. Two of the Bobcats’ three first-team honorees are the same person in Karrington Bush. The junior became only the Bobcats’ second running back to post consecutive seasons of at least 1,000 yards rushing when he scampered for 1,065 yards and 11 touchdowns on 136 carries as a sophomore. Sophomore lineman D.J. Hall, Texas State’s other first-teamer, hopes to help Bush make it three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons as he anchors the offensive line. Bush, who now has a career rushing total of 2,104 yards, has also made a significant impact on special teams as a kick returner, where he ran for 1,055 return yards and one touchdown as a sophomore.

Texas State’s preseason second-team honorees include senior quarterback Bradley George, a three-year starter and the Bobcats’ first quarterback to throw for at least 2,000 yards in consecutive seasons, and two of his chief guardians in senior linemen Calvin Gore and Alex Luna. Junior linebacker Marcus Clark was the Bobcats’ lone defensive representative on the second team.

Stephen F. Austin has high hopes that its five preseason all-conference selections can return the Lumberjacks to prominence and conference championship contention. The Lumberjacks’ offensive attack will largely revolve around their star wide receiver Duane Brooks, a senior first-team offense selection. In his first season in Nacogdoches, Brooks, a former transfer from Central Michigan, is a Consensus Draft Services (CDS) Preseason Honorable Mention All-American that in 2008 set the school record with 68 receptions en route to Southland Newcomer of the Year honors. He and senior wideout Contravious Parks, a preseason second-team honoree at receiver and kick returner, will look to comprise what will arguably be the league’s most formidable receiving corps.

Senior lineman Tim Knicky and junior linebacker Jabara Williams represent the Lumberjacks on the first-team defense. Knicky enters 2009 as a CDS Preseason Second-Team All-American after ranking among the nation’s leaders in sacks and tackles for a loss. Knicky had 12 sacks in 2008 and garnered multiple All-American honors for his junior campaign.

Each of Southeastern’s three preseason honorees garnered first-team selections. Sophomore wide receiver, the 2008 Southland Freshman of the Year and one of the league’s up and coming stars, started six of 11 games while hauling in 51 catches for 490 yards and six touchdowns in his rookie campaign. Senior Tommy Connors was named to a pair of All-America teams following a junior campaign that saw him finish third in the Southland with 108 tackles, including a league-high 79 solo stops. Connors also led the league with four interceptions and finished the year with five tackles for loss and two sacks. Place kicker Jeff Turner also garnered first-team honors after a junior season that saw him lead the Lions with 75 points on 12-of-17 field goals and 39-of-41 PATs.

Sam Houston’s preseason honorees include two offensive players and two on defense. Hunter Schmidt, a senior first-team pick on the offensive line, will look to open running lanes for second-team running back and junior Chris Poullard while first-team pick and senior Chris Brown anchors the defensive line in front of second-team linebacker Luke McCall.

Junior punter Patrick Dolan netted Nicholls’ lone first-team preseason all-conference honor. Dolan averaged 42.4 yards per kick on 38 attempts with a season long of 57 yards and 10 inside the 20-yard line while avoiding any blocks. Nicholls’ other preseason honorees include second-team kicker Ross Schexnayder and defensive back Dominique Daniels, both seniors.

2009 Preseason All-Southland Conference Football Teams

First Team Offense
Pos Name University Ht. Wt. Cl. Hometown
QB Derrick Fourroux McNeese State 6-1 200 Sr. Erath, La.
RB Toddrick Pendland McNeese State 5-10 175 Sr. Newton, Texas
RB Karrington Bush Texas State 5-10 182 Jr. Whitewright, Texas
FB Nick Cowger Central Arkansas 6-1 236 Sr. Vilonia, Ark.
WR Duane Brooks Stephen F. Austin 6-0 185 Sr. Irving, Texas
WR Simmie Yarborough Southeastern La. 6-1 190 So. Brookhaven, Miss.
TE Wes Mangan McNeese State 6-4 245 Sr. Brenham, Texas
OL Lane Freiwald Central Arkansas 6-7 318 Sr. Little Rock, Ark.
OL D.J. Hall Texas State 6-2 280 So. Palestine, Texas
OL Hunter Schmidt Sam Houston State 6-3 304 Sr. Alvin, Texas
OL Casey Richter McNeese State 6-6 300 Sr. Praireville, La.
OL Will Merritt Central Arkansas 6-5 292 Sr. Sterlington, La.
PK Jeff Turner Southeastern La. 5-10 170 Sr. Houston, Texas

First Team Defense
Pos Name University Ht. Wt. Cl. Hometown
DL Larry Hart Central Arkansas 6-1 255 Sr. Madison, Miss.
DL Tim Knicky Stephen F. Austin 6-4 235 Sr. Cedar Park, Texas
DL Chris Brown Sam Houston State 6-2 220 Sr. Texarkana, Texas
DL Taylor Scott Central Arkansas 6-4 264 Sr. Little Rock, Ark.
LB Jabara Williams Stephen F. Austin 6-3 205 Jr. Garrison, Texas
LB James Lancaster Central Arkansas 6-0 224 Sr. Cordova, Tenn.
DB Tommy Connors Southeastern La. 6-1 205 Sr. Marrero, La.
DB Pieri Feazell Central Arkansas 5-11 206 Sr. Mount Olive, Miss.
DB Wesley Eckles Northwestern State 6-0 185 Sr. Mansfield, La.
DB Anthony Gambles Central Arkansas 5-9 174 Sr. Byhalia, Miss.
DB Derrick Boyd Central Arkansas 6-0 208 Sr. West Point, Miss.
P Patrick Dolan Nicholls 6-1 180 Jr. Mobile, Ala.
RS Karrington Bush Texas State 5-10 182 Jr. Whitewright, Texas

Second Team Offense
Pos Name University Ht. Wt. Cl. Hometown
QB Bradley George Texas State 6-6 225 Sr. New Braunfels, Texas
RB Brent Grimes Central Arkansas 5-9 194 Sr. Baton Rouge, La.
RB Chris Poullard Sam Houston State 5-10 205 Jr. Killeen, Texas
FB Brandon Broussard McNeese State 6-2 245 Sr. Deridder, La.
WR Contravious Parks Stephen F. Austin 5-10 185 Sr. Killeen, Texas
WR* Willie Landers Central Arkansas 6-2 204 Jr. El Dorado, Ark.
WR* Immanuel Friddle McNeese State 6-3 215 Sr. Iowa, La.
TE Gordon Freeman Northwestern State 6-2 255 Sr. Longview, Texas
OL Calvin Gore Texas State 6-5 305 Sr. Canyon Lake, Texas
OL Marcus Washington Northwestern State 6-3 295 Sr. Alexandria, La.
OL Alex Luna Texas State 6-3 295 Sr. Houston, Texas
OL Casey Thurber Central Arkansas 5-11 278 Sr. Tulsa, Okla.
OL Michael Booker Northwestern State 6-3 320 Jr. Paris, Texas
PK Ross Schexnayder Nicholls 5-11 185 Sr. Houma, La.

Second Team Defense
Pos Name University Ht. Wt. Cl. Hometown
DL Zac Reddix Nicholls 6-2 215 Sr. Prairieville, La.
DL Ledell Love Northwestern State 6-1 240 Jr. Dallas, Texas
DL Albert Smith Northwestern State 6-0 301 Sr. Matthews, La.
DL Terrance Freeman McNeese State 6-4 235 Jr. Newton, Texas
LB Deron Minor McNeese State 6-2 235 Sr. Beaumont, Texas
LB* Blake Delcambre Northwestern State 6-1 235 Sr. New Iberia, La.
LB* Luke McCall Sam Houston State 6-0 227 Sr. Corpus Christi, Texas
LB* Marcus Clark Texas State 5-10 215 Jr. Fort Worth, Texas
DB Gary Riggs Northwestern State 6-3 220 Sr. Jennings, La.
DB Henry Minor Central Arkansas 5-10 176 Jr. Baton Rouge, La.
DB Kasey Brown Northwestern State 5-9 170 Sr. Shreveport, La.
DB Darrell Jenkins McNeese State 5-11 205 So. Newton, Texas
DB Dominique Daniels Nicholls 6-2 190 Sr. Gibsonton, Fla.
P Jonathan Beard Central Arkansas 5-10 165 Sr. Weir, Miss.
RS* T.J. Adams Central Arkansas 6-1 192 So. Beckville, Texas
RS* Contrevious Parks Stephen F. Austin 5-10 185 Sr. Killeen, Texas

* indicates ties for final spot at position

By Southland Conference Communications & Media Services