RFC Small College Preview: Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC)--(NAIA)

Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC)

2014 Football Standings

2014 Media Guide

Looking back: MidAmerica Nazarene and Missouri Valley both shared the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) championship, with both squads finishing at 8-1 in conference play last fall. The Pioneers fell to eventual national champion Southern Oregon in the first round of the NAIA playoffs, while the Vikings lost to Morningside in the quarterfinals.

Looking ahead: With the addition of 2013 NAIA national champion Grand View, as well as William Penn--both from Iowa, the HAAC will be split into North and South Divisions for the upcoming season.

Predicted order of finish (2014 overall record in parentheses):

North Division

1.  Grand View (10-2): Don't be surprised if the Vikings wind up on top of this division in their inaugural season of the HAAC.

2. William Penn (7-4): But the Statesmen also hope to make an immediate impact on the HAAC.

3.  Benedictine (Kan.)--(7-4): The Ravens are looking to improve on last year's 6-3 mark in HAAC action last season.

4. Culver-Stockton (6-5): With the return of three preseason All-Americans, the Wildcats not only hope to thrust themselves into conference championship contention this fall, but also advance to postseason play for the first time ever.

5. Peru State (3-8): Can anybody say "uphill battle" for the Bobcats?

6. Graceland (0-11): The same question can be asked of the Yellow Jackets after a winless season.

South Division

1. MidAmerica Nazarene (9-2): The defending HAAC co-champion Pioneers are looking to achieve more success under second-year head coach Brian Willmer. 

2. Missouri Valley (9-3): The Vikings hope to be in the mix as well.

3. Baker (8-3): Don't count the Wildcats out either.

4. Central Methodist (6-5): The Eagles are looking to build on one of their better seasons in program history. 

5. Evangel (6-5): The Crusaders hope to make it three winning seasons in four years this fall.

6. Avila (4-7): The Eagles must rely on the contributions of four USA College Football Pre-Season All-Americans if they're to improve on last year's 2-7 mark in HAAC action.

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