The Flying Dutchmen have been picked to finish third in the 2006 MIAA football race. During the 37th annual MIAA Press Day the Adrian Bulldogs were picked as the team to beat for the first time since 1981.
In the poll of coaches, Adrian edged Albion by a single point in the tabulation. Coaches could not vote for their own team. Adrian received four first place votes while Albion got three and Hope one.
In the poll of the media, Adrian and Albion tied for first place, each receiving 19 points. Defending champion Albion received six first place votes while Adrian gained three and Alma one.
A year ago Coach Dean Kreps' Flying Dutchmen tied for second place in the MIAA race and posted a 5-5 overall record. Players report for pre-season practice on August 14th. The season opener will be Saturday, Sept. 9 at Central, Iowa. The home opener will be Saturday, Sept. 23 against Wheaton.
Pre-Season Poll (coaches and media): 1. Adrian 30 (7), 2. Albion 31 (9), 3. Hope 55 (1), 4. Alma 57 (1), 5. Olivet 75,
6. Kalamazoo 99, 7. Wisconsin Lutheran 113, 8. Tri-State 124.
Poll of Coaches: 1. Adrian 11 (4), 2. Albion 12 (3), 3. Hope 20 (1), 4. Alma 24, 5. Olivet 29, 6.
Kalamazoo 38, 7. Wisconsin Lutheran 43, 8. Tri-State 47.
Poll of the Media: 1. Adrian 19 (3), 1. Albion 19 (6), 3. Alma 33 (1), 4. Hope 35, 5. Olivet 46, 6. Kalamazoo 61, 7. Wisconsin Lutheran 70, 8. Tri-State 77.