The Missouri Western football team — fresh off its first outright MIAA Championship in 2012 — is once again a conference favorite in 2013.

The Griffons were picked 1-2 in the MIAA Preseason Football polls released on Monday.   Western was picked in a tie for first in the Coaches Poll, receiving six first-place votes.   The defending champions were selected second in the media poll, just six points below Northwest Missouri State.

The Griffons defeated the Bearcats last November to clinch the MIAA title.

Missouri Western, coming off its greatest season in school history in 2012 (12-2 record, national quarterfinalists) and return plenty of fire power.  All-MIAA First Team Quarterback Travis Partridge returns for his senior season, as does preseason All-American tight end Reggie Jordan.

The Griffons are also ranked nationally in two national preseason polls.

MWSU is sixth in the Sporting News Division II poll and 12th in Lindy’s Preseason Top 25.

The Griffons begin fall camp on August 14th and open the season September 5th at Central Missouri.

2013 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll
T1. Missouri Western (6)  159
T1. Northwest Missouri (6)  159
3. Pittsburg State (2)  145
4. Central Missouri  119
5. Lindenwood  117
6. Washburn  116
7. Emporia State  113
8. Fort Hays State    70
9. Missouri Southern    68
10. Central Oklahoma    57
11. Northeastern State    56
12. Nebraska-Kearney    51
13. Southwest Baptist    30
14. Lincoln    14

2013 MIAA Preseason Media Poll
1. Northwest Missouri (10) 300
2. Missouri Western (10)  294
3. Pittsburg State (2)          276
4. Washburn                  231
5. Lindenwood  221
6. Central Missouri  205
7. Emporia State (1)  197
T8. Missouri Southern  138
T8. Fort Hays State  138
10. Northeastern State  125
11. Central Oklahoma  113
12. Nebraska-Kearney    96
13. Southwest Baptist    52

— MWSU Sports Information —