Florida Focus Picks SAU to Win GSC Championship

Magnolia, AR--Florida Focus magazine writer Richard Burton has picked Southern Arkansas University to win the 2000 Gulf South Conference football championship. The Muleriders were 8-2 in 1999 and missed an unbeaten season by a total of six points (two field goals, both in overtime). SAU was also 8-2 in '98, the two setbacks by a total of five points. SAU was the first team from Arkansas to win a GSC football championship in '97 when they posted a 9-2 record.

SAU played Arkansas Tech for the outright championship on the final day of the season last year with ATU winning 20-17 in overtime. ATU and West Georgia, which won title shares in 1997 and '98, are picked to challenge the 'Riders along with North Alabama, which won three consecutive national titles from 1993 through '95, and Delta State, which shared the crown in '98, other possibilities.

Florida Focus picks for 2000 are (1) Southern Arkansas (2) West Georgia (3) Arkansas Tech (4) Delta State (5) North Alabama (6) Valdosta State (7) Arkansas-Monticello (8) Central Arkansas (9) West Alabama (10) Henderson State (11) Harding University (12) Ouachita Baptist. Harding and Ouachita Baptist are new GSC members, moving this year from the Lone Star Conference.

ATU represented the GSC in the NCAA Division II national playoffs last year, the 11^th different GSC team to qualify for the playoffs, which is a national record. The Wonder Boys were the second team from Arkansas to make the playoffs after SAU represented the conference in '97.

Two 'Riders were named to the Florida Focus All-American Team. Linebacker Marcoles Board, a 6' 2", 237-pound senior from Dallas, Tex., was named to the first-team and tight end Adam Creek, a 6' 2", 238-pound senior from Waldron, Ark., was selected to the second-team.

ATU defensive back Patrick Pesnell was also chosen on the first-team along with offensive lineman Abed Taha and defensive back Nate Coggins, both of West Georgia. Honorable Mention selections are quarterback Josh Price of ATU, offensive lineman Mitch Kellar of Central Arkansas and defensive lineman Kendereck Office of West Alabama.

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