MITCHELL, S.D. – The Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) has announced the preseason football coaches' poll for the 2021 season this morning. Morningside is the preseason pick to win the GPAC championship. The GPAC will add a football team this year with Mount Marty officially starting play.
After a shortened season last year, the Tigers finished sixth in the GPAC with an overall record of 4-5, after being projected to finish ninth. DWU is returning a large majority of players from last year including Dominick Warmbein, Samuel Kretschmar, and Kiel Nelson.
This year the Tigers tallied 48 points from coaches in the conference. Doane earned 50 points placing them sixth in the preseason poll, while Hastings is ranked eighth with 40 points.
2021 GPAC Preseason Football Coaches' Poll:
Place Team Pts (1st Place Votes)
1. Morningside 98 (8)
2. Northwestern 93 (3)
3. Dordt 82
4. Midland 73
5. Concordia 62
6. Doane 50
7. Dakota Wesleyan 48
8. Hastings 40
9. Jamestown 27
10. Briar Cliff 19
11. Mount Marty 13
Dakota Wesleyan football kicks off their season at home from Joe Quintal Field on Saturday, August 28. The Tigers welcome the Trojans of Dakota State to town for a Midco Sports Network 7:05 p.m. kickoff.