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2012 Final Standings
Looking back: Central Washington rose to the top of a competitive championship race in the Great Northwest Athletic (GNAC) last season. The Wildcats finished 7-3 in conference play (7-4 overall).
Looking ahead: The GNAC recently received some good news: news that could bolster any potential postseason hopes in future seasons. Azusa Pacific was granted provisional status by the NCAA. That means the Cougars are on track to become full Division II members by 2014.
If that wasn't enough, South Dakota Mines was also accepted as an affiliate member of the GNAC, with the Hardrockers membership in the league becoming effective in 2014 as well. The additions of Azusa Pacific and South Dakota Mines will give the GNAC seven members for football.
Predicted order of finish (2012 overall record in parentheses)
1. Humboldt State (7-4): Head Coach Rob Smith welcomes back 33 letterwinners (11 starters) from a Lumberjacks team that finished second in the GNAC with a 6-4 mark in conference play last season. Still, with back-to-back losses to end 2012, HSU hopes to use that season-ending setback as motivation in 2013.
2. Central Washington (7-4): If the Wildcats (7-3 GNAC in 2012) are to defend the conference crown they won a year ago, they must do it under interim head coach John Picha. He replaces Blaine Bennett, who was unexpectedly released from his contract.
3. Western Oregon (6-5): The Wolves look to improve on last season's 6-4 GNAC record.
4. Simon Fraser (5-6): The Clan faces a tough row to hoe in trying to clinch their first-ever winning season as an NCAA member.
5. Azusa Pacific (4-7): A four-game winning streak to end the 2012 season following an 0-7 start gives the Cougars and their faithful some cautiously optimistic high hopes going into the 2013 season.
6. Dixie State (3-8): Red Storm face a huge, uphill battle after a disappointing 2012 season.
Follow RFC on Twitter @realfootball.
4 years ago
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