It is hard to believe it, but in just over 30 days from today we will be seeing the 97th season of Lion Football. Conference media days were held in Odessa this past week and here some bits from that day-
Pre-Season Polls-
No. | Team | 1st | Total |
1 | A&M-Commerce | 21 | 229 |
2 | Midwestern State | 2 | 192 |
3 | Texas A&M-Kingsville | 1 | 177 |
4 | Eastern New Mexico | 136 | |
5 | Tarleton State | 1 | 135 |
6 | Angelo State | 114 | |
7 | West Texas A&M | 97 | |
8 | Western New Mexico | 45 | |
9 | UT Permian Basin | 1 | 45 |
So, this is essentially how I see the LSC playing out. Although I would swap Kingsville for Midwestern. Nabbing 21 of the first place votes and outdoing the nearest team by 37 votes is pretty affirming that he LSC conferences and media see things that we do as well. For the second straight season, UTPB’s Head Coach Chris Mineo gave his team a first place vote. Some might find this funny or cringe worthy, but I like the spirit that brings to a conference that needs to find more parity and be less top heavy.
Perez Co-Offensive Player Of the Year-
Luis Perez was named Co-Offensive Preseason Player of the Year along with ENMU tailback Kamal Cass, and the Odessa American has a nice write up on Perez, along with the new Coaching Regime at West Texas, and the Triple Option attack of Eastern New Mexico.
Snip-http://www.oaoa.com/sports/local/college/article_5cf2716c-733a-11e7-bc7e-cfd87c12ffa0.html
Also, here are some videos courtesy of the LSC with some short interviews with QB Luis Perez and Chris Smith.
Link To LSC Releases-
Quote from The Fort Worth Star Telegram (albeit a short one about TAMUC Football)
“Expectations are the highest they have been for Commerce in years. The town and school are both buzzing for the 2017 kickoff and the Lions have every tool in place to make a national title run. An All-American QB, an offense loaded with weapons, a strong and fast defense, depth and talent across the board, and a fully competent and talented coaching staff. 1972 has been a long time, and this is the best shot the Lions have had since 1980 when they were led by Wade Wilson.”