2021 GPAC Preseason Football Coaches’ Poll
SEWARD, Neb. – In the 2021 GPAC Preseason Football Coaches’ Poll revealed on Monday (Aug. 9), the Concordia University Football team landed at No. 5 while totaling 62 points in the poll. The Bulldogs placed fifth in the conference in 2020 when they went 4-4 in conference games. The GPAC now includes 11 football members with Mount Marty getting set for its inaugural season.
Looking ahead to Head Coach Patrick Daberkow’s fifth season as head coach, Concordia returns eight starters on offense and eight on defense. Each of the seven Bulldogs who earned either first or second team All-GPAC accolades in 2020 is back in the fold. The group includes receiver Korrell Koehlmoos (first team), linebacker Lane Napier (first team), tight end Garrett Schardt (first team), guard Christian Schlepp (first team), running back Jonah Weyand (first team), safety Peyton Mitchell (second team) and center Johnny Robinson III (second team).
The GPAC elevated itself as one of the top football leagues in the NAIA in 2020. Three conference teams qualified for the NAIA playoffs. Those same three squads are ranked in the 2021 NAIA preseason poll.
Concordia will open the 2021 campaign on Saturday, Sept. 4 with a trip to third-ranked Morningside. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CT from Sioux City, Iowa.
2021 GPAC Preseason Football Coaches’ Poll
-First place votes in parentheses
1. Morningside – 98 (8)
2. Northwestern – 93 (3)
3. Dordt – 82
4. Midland – 73
5. Concordia – 62
6. Doane – 50
7. Dakota Wesleyan – 48
8. Hastings – 40
9. Jamestown – 27
10. Briar Cliff – 19
11. Mount Marty – 13