PLYMOUTH, N.H. – The Plymouth State University football team was picked to finish fifth in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) by the league's head coaches, as the conference announced the results of its annual Preseason Coaches' Poll on Thursday.
 
Plymouth State accumulated 47 points in the poll to finish just ahead of Framingham State (46). UMass Dartmouth, the reigning league champions, took the top spot with nine first place votes for 81 points. Bridgewater State secured the remaining first place vote for 68 points. Mass. Maritime was third in the poll with 56 points, edging out newcomer Anna Maria's 54 points.
 
The bottom half of the poll includes Framingham State (46), Westfield State (38), Worcester State (29), Fitchburg State (17), and Dean (14), which will also join the MASCAC for its first season.
 
Head coach Paul Castonia is back for his 23rd season. Last fall he led the Panthers to a 5-4 mark, securing an eighth straight season of .500 or better in league play. PSU rebounded from a 1-3 start to win four straight games and nearly spoiled UMass Dartmouth's run at a perfect season in the finale, falling by a 47-42 margin. The Corsairs had entered the game with an average margin of victory of more than 42 points. PSU finished tied for third in the final league standings.
 
The MASCAC underwent a facelift in the offseason, as Western Connecticut State and VTSU Castleton were replaced by Anna Maria and Dean. The league schedule features nine conference games, with the winner being awarded the conference's automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament.
 
Castonia will lean on senior running back Gregory Walker (Boxford, Mass.) as the top returning rusher. Walker averaged nearly five yards per carry and scored three touchdowns last fall. Sophomore wide receiver Devin Connally (Boynton Beach, Fla.) is also back after leading the team in receiving yards per game and yards per catch a year ago.
 
The defense should be anchored by junior Ryan Fleming (Boxborough, Mass.) and senior Jake Dreyfus (Weymouth, Mass.). Fleming recorded one sack, one forced fumble, and three tackles for a loss on the defensive line, while Dreyfus was among the team leaders with 32 total tackles (27 solo) and a forced fumble in the secondary.
 
Plymouth State kicks off the season at New England College on Sept. 6, before opening MASCAC play at home against Worcester State in week two. The Panthers' bye week comes in week six (Oct. 11).