The Missouri Western football team is ranked sixth in the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) preseason Top 25 Poll that was released Monday.

Western, which ranked fifth in the final poll of the 2012 season, garnered 586 votes. The Griffons finished their 2012 season with a 12-2 record and advanced to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament.

Northwest Missouri State and Pittsburg State are the only other MIAA squads in the top-25, ranked 4th with 616 points and one first place vote and 21st with 165 points. Central Missouri, Emporia State and Washburn all received votes.

Missouri Western begins its 2013 campaign on the road Sept. 5 as they take on the University of Central Missouri. The opening kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. The game will be broadcast on the Griffon Sports Network.

— MWSU Sports Information —