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

Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) Preview (NAIA)

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2013 Final Standings

Looking back: The Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) was one of the most competitive conferences in the NAIA last season, with three teams: Baker, Benedictine (Kan.), and Missouri Valley, all sharing the conference championship at 8-1 in conference play.  If that wasn't enough, a fourth team--Peru State--was one of four teams to finish the 2013 campaign ranked in the final NAIA poll.  The Bobcats finished No. 24 in the nation, while Benedictine finished at No. 11, Missouri Valley at No. 7, and Baker at No. 5.

In the NAIA playoffs, Baker advanced the farthest of the three HAAC teams who advanced to postseason play, with the Wildcats falling to Morningside, 36-28, in the quarterfinals. Missouri Valley also advanced to the round of eight, as the Vikings eliminated Northwestern (Iowa), 38-13, in the first round, before being eliminated themselves by Carroll (Mont.), 27-3.

The third team from the HAAC that advanced to the NAIA playoffs, however, wasn't as fortunate, as Benedictine (Kan.) saw its season come to a heartbreaking end in the first round, as Tabor edged the Ravens, 14-13.

Looking ahead: Don't be surprised if the 2014 season ends as a mirror image to the 2013 season, at least in terms of the final standings.


Predicted order of finish (2013 overall record in parentheses):

1. Baker (11-2):  With a No. 5 ranking in the NAIA spring poll, the Wildcats should among the best teams in the HAAC once again this season.

2. Benedictine (Kan.)--(10-2):  But the Ravens will have plenty to say as to who will ultimately come out on top, as they will square off in Kansas City, Mo. on October 11.

3. Missouri Valley (9-3):  The Vikings could be a factor in what's likely to be a tight race in the HAAC.

4. Peru State (7-4):  The Bobcats must re-group after a fast 7-1 start fizzled into a three-game losing streak to end the 2013 season.

5. MidAmerica Nazarene (5-5):  On the other hand, the Pioneers and their faithful hope that a four-game winning streak--that followed a 1-5 start--that ended 2013 on a high note, will carry over into 2014.

6. Evangel (4-6):  The Crusaders hope to bounce back after a disappointing 2013 campaign in which they finished 4-5 in HAAC play.

7. Central Methodist (4-7):  With four preseason USA College Football All-American first teamers on their roster, the Eagles hope to soar high this season.

8. Avila (4-7):  The flock of Eagles from Kansas City, Mo. face an uphill battle after finishing 2-7 in HAAC action last season.

9. Culver-Stockton (2-9):  The Wildcats are in the same boat.

10. Graceland (1-10):  As are the Yellow Jackets.

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