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2012 Final Standings
Looking back: Franklin claimed yet another Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) crown in 2012, finishing unbeaten at 8-0 in HCAC action. The Grizzlies advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division III playoffs before losing to Mary Hardin-Baylor.
Looking ahead: The other eight teams in the HCAC will try to break the stranglehold that Franklin has had on the league over the past three years, as well as six of the last seven seasons. The only time the Grizzlies failed to win the conference championship in that span was in 2009, when they finished 5-2 in conference play (7-3 overall).
Predicted order of finish (2012 overall record in parentheses)
1. Franklin (9-3): Since 2006, the Grizzlies have finished a season with at least nine wins every year expect 2009 (7-3 overall). It's a trend they hope to continue in 2013.
2. Hanover (6-4): Coming off a 6-2 finish in HCAC action last season, which was good enough for a second place tie with Manchester, the Panthers expect to be in the hunt for a conference crown once again this season.
3. Manchester (6-4): The Spartans ended 2012 with six straight wins after starting 0-4. They hope to carry that streak over into 2013.
4. Bluffton (5-5): The Beavers have their work cut out for them if they're to win an HCAC title in 2013, as they'll face six teams that finished with a .500 or better record in 2012.
5. Rose-Hulman (5-5): The Engineers will shoot for their ninth straight non-losing season dating back to 2005, but haven't won a conference championship since 1988.
6. Mount St. Joseph (4-6): The Lions look to bounce back after a disappointing 2012 season.
7. Defiance (2-8): The Yellow Jackets go into 2013 trying a five-game skid that ended 2012.
8. Earlham (1-9): Quakers face a daunting task under second year head coach Neil Kazmierczak.
9. Anderson (0-10): The Ravens will look to snap a 16-game losing streak dating back to October 1, 2011.
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5 years ago
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