SAINT XAVIER TOPS MIDWEST LEAGUE PRESEASON POLL

One of last year’s co-Midwest League champions have been picked to repeat in 2022, as Saint Xavier unanimously earned the top spot in the MSFA Midwest League Preseason Coaches Poll.
The Cougars claimed their 8th Midwest League title and 11th MSFA championship overall last season, and return five All-MSFA starters from a year ago. All-MSFA Second Team selection Stuart Ross will lead the offense at quarterback, while defensive lineman Jaleel Holloway anchors the defense following an NAIA All-American Honorable Mention campaign in 2021.
Olivet Nazarene – the 2020 Midwest League champs – come in second place in the preseason poll, and St. Francis, who took a share of the title last year with SXU, place third.
Roosevelt and St. Ambrose round out the top five in the poll, with Missouri Baptist, Judson, and Trinity International finishing out the rest of the rankings.
To determine the preseason rankings, head coaches across the league rank their fellow Midwest League members from top to bottom, with 1st place earning 7 points, 2nd place earning 6 points, etc. Coaches are not permitted to vote for their own teams.
The Midwest League opens play on Saturday, August 28, when Trinity International welcomes Hastings (Neb.), and Missouri Baptist travels to face Lyon (Ark.).
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2022 MSFA Midwest League Preseason Poll
1.) Saint Xavier – 49 pts. (7 first-place votes)
2.) Olivet Nazarene – 42 pts.
3.) St. Francis – 38 pts. (1)
4.) Roosevelt – 29 pts.
5.) St. Ambrose – 27 pts.
6.) Missouri Baptist – 17 pts.
7.) Judson – 14 pts.
8.) Trinity International – 8 pts.