Published: June 04, 2009 10:12 pm      

Bronchos picked ninth in preseason poll

A seven-game winning streak to end last season has helped earn Central Oklahoma the No. 9 ranking in the 2009 Sporting News Preseason Division II Top 25 Football Poll.

The Bronchos overcame an 0-4 start to win their last seven games and run away with the Lone Star Conference North Division title last fall under first-year head coach Tracy Holland. Twelve starters — including six All-LSC North Division performers — return from that squad.

Grand Valley State tops the preseason poll, followed by returning national runner-up Northwest Missouri and defending champion Minnesota-Duluth. Pittsburg State, UCO’s season-opening opponent, is ranked No. 6.

The Bronchos are the highest-ranked Lone Star Conference team in the poll, with Abilene Christian the only other league team listed at No. 15.

Quarterback Brandon Noohi and wide receivers Ryan Gallimore and Kendall Hendricks are returning All-LSC North selections who will lead UCO’s offense this fall, while tackle Jermelle Cudjo, end Freddie Harris and linebacker Terry Hardeman were All-LSC North picks last year who are back to pace the defense.

The Bronchos will open preseason practice in early August and begin the season Aug. 29 at Pitt State. UCO plays the first three games on the road before making its home debut on Sept. 19 against Tarleton State.



2009 Sporting News Preseason Division II Top 25 Football Poll

1. Grand Valley State (Mich.)

2. Northwest Missouri

3. Minnesota-Duluth

4. Delta State (Miss.)

5. Edinboro (Pa.)

6. Pittsburg State (Kan.)

7. Bloomsburg (Pa.)

8. Carson-Newman (Tenn.)

9. Central Oklahoma

10. Central Washington

11. North Alabama

12. Tusculum (Tenn.)

13. California (Pa.)

14. Ashland (Ohio)

15. Abilene Christian (Texas)

16. Tuskegee (Ala.)

17. Chadron State (Neb.)

18. Minnesota State-Mankato

19. Valdosta State (Ga.)

20. Nebraska-Kearney

21. Seton Hill (W. Va.)

22. Indiana (Pa.)

23. American International (N.Y.)

24. Arkansas Tech

25. Shaw (N.C.)