Valparaiso University has been projected to finish in a tie for seventh place with Butler in the Pioneer Football League for the 2008 season according to the preseason balloting done by the league’s head coaches.

            San Diego, last year’s PFL co-champion with Dayton, was picked to win the title, followed by the Flyers.  Davidson and Morehead State were chosen to finish third and fourth respectively with Drake and Jacksonville following in the fifth and sixth spots.  The Crusaders and Bulldogs each garnered 19 points in the voting to share seventh place while league newcomer Campbell was selected ninth.

            Ballots were tabulated with eight points awarded for a first place vote, with one point less being awarded for each succeeding place.  Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own school.

            The Crusaders will open up their 2008 season in Joliet, Ill. on Thursday night, September 4 with a 6 p.m. kickoff against Saint Francis (Ill.).  Head coach Stacy Adams returns 19 starters from his 2007 team which finished 5-6 overall.

(First place votes in parentheses)