Monday, August 26, 2019

WACO, Texas – The preseason favorite in the GNAC will also open the season just outside the top-25.

Azusa Pacific is listed as the top squad among teams receiving votes in the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Division II Coaches Top-25 Poll, which was released on Monday.

The Cougars, picked by coaches to win in the GNAC Preseason Coaches Poll, picked up a total of 71 points in the national poll. Fairmont State earned the No. 25 spot with a total of 78 points. Central Washington was also listed among teams receiving votes with seven points.

Defending national champion Valdosta State is ranked No. 1 in the preseason, receiving 792 points from voters.

After opening the 2018 season by winning four of its first five games (the only loss a 37-35 last-second defeat at North Alabama), Azusa Pacific closed the regular season on a three-game win streak. The Cougars survived a pair of close contests during that stretch before handing Central Washington its only home loss of the season, 42-35, in the regular-season finale on Nov. 10 in Ellensburg. That was enough to earn the Cougars an invitation to the NCAA Division II playoffs, where they bowed out in the opening round to Tarleton State.

The Cougars return plenty of experience, including all but two starters on offense. Senior tight end Lucas Widmer was a First Team All-GNAC selection, catching 13 passes for 114 yards and three touchdowns. Junior quarterback Tyrone Williams, Jr., completed 195 passes for 2,679 yards and 23 touchdowns and rushed for four more touchdowns to earn Second Team All-GNAC honors. Junior wide receiver Brandon Jackson caught 47 passes for 534 yards while junior Darrell Adams caught 39 passes for 553 yards and three touchdowns.

On defense, junior defensive back Quentin Frazier earned First Team All-GNAC and Third Team Don Hansen All-Super Region 4 awards after finishing with 66 tackles, four tackles for loss and three interceptions. Senior linebacker Willie Fair was also a First Team All-GNAC choice after compiling 75 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and two fumble recoveries. Junior cornerback Josh Olave also returns after coming up with 44 tackles and five interceptions, earning First Team All-GNAC selection.

Azusa Pacific opens the season on Saturday, September 7 as they face in-region competition at West Texas A&M. The 2019 GNAC season opens on Thursday, September 5 with Western Oregon playing at Adams State.