— For the first time in school history, the Bacone Warriors have claimed a spot in the NAIA Football Coaches’ Top 25 poll coming in at No. 23.

Last week the Warriors were just out of the top 25, after receiving 10 points. This week, Bacone collected 33 points to move ahead of No. 24 St. Francis (Ill.) and No. 25 Benedictine (Kan.)

“This is really great for the program,” said Bacone coach Trevor Rubly. “It’s also great for Bacone.”

The Warriors (6-2) conclude the regular season at 2 p.m. Saturday against the McMurry War Hawks in Abilene, Texas.

Rubly is aware that this could cause a distraction amongst his players but told them during Monday’s practice to be proud of the ranking.

“It’s always great to be playing for something this late in the season,” Rubly said. “I told the guys that we need to handle the ranking the right way.”

The coach also let his team know that if they let the recognition go to their heads, the ranking is all for naught.

“The ranking really enhances our chances to receive an at-large berth into the national playoffs,” Rubly said. “The top 20 schools in the poll get a bid and we are in prime position.

“I told them we need to go down to Abilene and win the game. We do that and we should get a playoff spot.”



Below is the poll with first-place votes in parentheses, record as of Nov. 5 and total points received

1. Georgetown (Ky.) (13)     9-0     314

2. Missouri Valley (1)     9-0     298

3. Morningside (Iowa)     9-0     294

4. Saint Xavier (Ill.)     8-1     278

5. Marian (Ind.)     8-1     258

6. Saint Francis (Ind.)     7-2     245

7. Montana Tech     8-1     243

8. Cumberlands (Ky.)     9-1     225

9. Grand View (Iowa)     8-2     221

10. St. Ambrose (Iowa)     8-1     207

11. MidAm. Naz. (Kan.)     7-2     204

T12. Baker (Kan.)     7-2     172

T12. Southern Oregon     7-2     172

14. Northwestern (Iowa)     8-2     159

15. William Penn (Iowa)     8-2     151

16. Ottawa (Kan.)     7-2     133

17. Tabor (Kan.)     7-2     120

18. Bethel (Tenn.)     7-3     115

19. Evangel (Mo.)     7-3     89

20. Doane (Neb.)     6-3     79

21. Cumberland (Tenn.)     7-3     72

22. Carroll (Mont.)     6-4     57

23. Bacone     6-2     33

24. St. Francis (Ill.)     6-4     28

25. Benedictine (Kan.)     6-4     25