RFC Summer Semester--Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC)--(NAIA)

Looking back: MidAmerica Nazarene ruled the roost in the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC), as the Pioneers went undefeated in conference play at 10-0 en route to winning the league title in 2010.  They advanced to the national semifinal round of the NAIA playoffs, only to be stomped by eventual national runner-up Sioux Falls, 38-0.  Lindenwood was the HAAC's other playoff representative, losing to St. Francis (Ind.) in the first round.

Looking ahead: The HAAC loses Lindenwood and William Jewell to the NCAA Division II ranks in 2011, while adding Peru State out of Nebraska.

Website: http://www.haacsports.com/

Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)

1. MidAmerica Nazarene (12-1):  The Pioneers enter 2011 as the team to beat in the HAAC.


2. Missouri Valley (8-2):  Two losses; one to Lindenwood, the other to MidAmerica Nazarene, not only kept the Vikings from an unbeaten regular season, but also kept them out of postseason play.


3. Baker (7-4):  The Wildcats overcame a slow start to finish fast in 2010, winning five straight games to close things out.


4. Benedictine (Kan.)--(7-4):  The Ravens hope to win their first HAAC title since 2000, as well as well as advance to the NAIA playoffs for the first time since 2003.


5. Evangel (4-6):  The Crusaders will get a quick crash course on the field to open the 2011 season, as they head south to Louisiana to take on NCAA Division I FCS Nicholls State on September 1.

6. Central Methodist (3-7):  The Eagles hope to soar high after struggling in 2010.

7. Avila (2-8):  The Eagles from Kansas City, Mo. also hope to put an uneventful 2010 season behind them.

8. Peru State (4-7):  The Bobcats face an uphill battle in their first season in the HAAC.

9. Graceland (1-10):  The 2010 season was anything but kind to the Yellow Jackets, who ended it with eight straight losses after holding off Evangel, 27-25, for their only win of last year.

10. Culver-Stockton (1-10):  The Wildcats will end the 2011 season with four straight games on the road.