Valley ranked 18th in preseason grid poll

The Missouri Valley College football team is ranked 18th in the College Fanz Sports Network NAIA preseason poll released Wednesday.

That corresponds roughly to the No. 16 prediction made in April in the NAIA coaches survey, putting the Vikings fourth in the Heart of America Conference. Lindenwood, which reached the NAIA semifinals before dropping a 38-37 decision to Carroll (Mont.), is ranked third in both polls. College Fanz also has Baker ninth and MidAmerica Nazarene at No. 10.

After a pair of back-to-back semifinal appearances and third-place rankings, Valley dropped to 7-3 and the 17 spot last year. Therefore, Troth considers the preseason projection fair.

"The first poll out pretty reflects the end-of-the-year poll from a year ago," Troth said. "I didn't expect to see much change."

Maybe the biggest challenge for the Vikings will be replacing all-HAAC first-team tailback Robert Holmes, who had three straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons. With David Allen's career seemingly done due to a shoulder injury, Valley has no proven running backs -- although sophomore Theron "Junior" Allen was the league's top punt return specialist last season.

"That opens up a lot of opportunities for some guys," Troth said. "We're bringing in several tailbacks and letting them complete -- and hope someone can emerge."

Another concern is defensive end, where the Vikings have a void with the departure of all-American Larry Wenzel, along with Lindsey Jacory and Anthony Collins. At least all-conference tackle Merlin Benefield is back.

On the positive side, the return of junior Chris White at quarterback for his third year as a starter and the emergence of junior Scott Humphrey as a tight end in the mold of former all-American Ryan Ross -- plus three starters back on the offensive line -- bodes well.

"Hopefully, those are going to be strong points for us, if we stay healthy," Troth said.

Despite some losses in the linebacker and secondary corps, there's still plenty of talent.

Senior linebacker Colin Smith and senior safety Moamoa Palepale emerged as defensive leaders last year, and junior Michael Franklin -- the talented former quarterback from Smith-Cotton -- showed big gains at cornerback in spring practice.

"We've got some young kids who've stepped up, so we feel pretty good," Troth noted.

If Valley is not the juggernaut it was during the stretch runs of 2006 and '07, Troth still sees that "this team has plenty of potential, if things fall right and we stay healthy.

"Every year you get a little stronger in some places and not quite as good in others," he said. "It's all about balance, some guys stepping up and filling roles."