By FHSU Sports Information
WACO, Texas – Fort Hays State remained No. 5 in the first regular season edition of the AFCA Division II Top 25 Poll, released on Monday (Sept. 3). The Tigers shared the No. 5 ranking with fellow MIAA member Northwest Missouri State in the preseason poll, but now hold the spot alone. The Tigers are coming off a thrilling 20-16 win at home over then No. 18 ranked Central Missouri.
Fort Hays State, Northwest Missouri State, and Central Missouri continue to represent the MIAA in the Top 25. The Tigers will play Northwest Missouri State’s opponent from last week, Missouri Western, this coming Thursday (Sept. 6). The Bearcats defeated the Griffons 28-6 at home to open the season. Central Missouri slides down only three spots after its loss to Fort Hays State this past week.
The Tigers have now seen their name in the Top 5 of the AFCA Poll four times going back to last season. The Tigers entered the final week of the regular season No. 5 last year before moving up to No. 4 entering the NCAA Playoffs. The Tigers held the preseason No. 5 spot this year and retain the position after one week of play.
The top seven teams in the poll remained unchanged, just with the exception of Northwest Missouri State slipping to No. 6 alone.