Stonehill Picked Ninth In Preseason Football Poll

Foxboro, Mass. - Despite the optimism and excitement felt throughout the Stonehill campus since the hiring of new head football coach Rob Talley, the rest of the Conference coaches picked the Skyhawks to finish ninth in the 2007 Northeast-10 Preseason Coaches Poll, which was released Wednesday afternoon.

The Skyhawks received 23 points, ahead of only Saint Anselm, who collected 15 points.

"I think we have a pretty good idea of what we are trying to accomplish at Stonehill," said Talley, speaking to group of assembled media, coaches, players and administrators at the annual media day event. "The kids have been great. They have accepted what we have demanded from them as coaches. We are excited about moving forward and the opportunity to get on the field."

Southern Connecticut, which shared the 2006 crown with C.W. Post, Bryant and Merrimack, was tabbed first, with 91 points and four first-place votes. The Owls were followed by Post (84 points; two first place votes), Merrimack (81 points; three first place votes) and Bryant (69 points; one first place vote).

Bentley was selected fifth after a 6-5 campaign in 2006 and was followed by American International (54 points), Assumption (42 points), and Pace (31 points).

Stonehill opens its season under the lights at Assumption on Friday, September 7 at 7 p.m.

2007 Northeast-10 Football Preseason Coaches' Poll

Team                                             Points             2006 Record, NE-10

1. Southern Connecticut                (4) 91               7-4, 7-2

2. C.W. Post                                  (2) 84               7-3, 7-2

3. Merrimack                                  (3) 81               8-4, 7-2

4. Bryant                                        (1) 69               8-3, 7-2

5. Bentley                                      60                     6-5, 4-5

6. American International              54                     6-4, 6-3

7. Assumption                               42                      4-6, 4-5

8. Pace                                          31                      3-7, 2-7

9. Stonehill                                   23                     1-9, 1-8

10. Saint Anselm                           15                      0-10, 0-9