[Sly Fox]

Here's a little primer on our second opponent this fall:

Shepherd Forecast to Claim Third Straight WVIAC Football Title

July 29, 2006

(GLENVILLE, W.VA)---There's little surprise at the top as the 2006 West Virginia Conference football season dawns. The Shepherd University Rams are the overwhelming favorites to record their third consecutive WVIAC championship.

The Rams claimed eight of nine first place votes to easily outdistance Charleston and Glenville State for the top spot in the pre-season coaches' poll released today at the league's annual football media day. UC and GSC tied for second in the voting with the Golden Eagles claiming the other first place vote.

West Liberty State is picked fourth, while Fairmont State is in the fifth spot. Concord, West Virginia Wesleyan and West Virginia State round out the voting. League newcomer Seton Hill is not eligible for the 2006 WVIAC football championship.

Glenville State (9-2, 7-1) has to fill the large shoes of record breaking quarterback Joey Conrad, but the cupboard is not bare for head coach Alan Fiddler.

Conrad, the NCAA Division II career passing and total offense leader, is gone. However, a corps of fleet and skilled wide receivers is still on hand. Tavon McGee (6-2, 190, Sr.) and DaMon Lindsey (6-1, 185, Sr.) each caught over 60 passes each in 2005. Tight end Emery Williams (6-4, 250, Jr.) will give the new signal caller a big target. Senior offensive lineman Andrew Dennis (6-8, 290) has earned pre-season All-American honors.

The overlooked GSC defense only gave up 15.7 points per game last year. DB Kashif Ealey (5-9, 175, Sr.) intercepted nine passes in 2005. LB Jacquez Taylor (5-10, 240, Jr.) and DE Michael Harden (6-3, 230, Jr.) each recorded 13 tackles for loss. DL Tamasepani Brown (6-2, 290, Sr.) is a massive run-stopper in the line.

2006 WVIAC Football Coaches' Poll

1. Shepherd ( 8 ) 71
2. Charleston (1) 56
2. Glenville State 56
4. West Liberty State 41
5. Fairmont State 37
6. Concord 30
7. West Virginia Wesleyan 24
8. West Virginia State 11
Note: Seton Hill is not eligible for the 2006 WVIAC football championship.

Returning All-WVIAC First Team Selections

Offense:
TE-Emery Williams (Glenville State, Jr.)
WR-Tavon McGee (Glenville State, Sr.)

Defense:
LB-Jacquez Taylor (Glenville State, Jr.)
DB-Kashif Ealey (Glenville State, Sr.)

http://www.wviac.org/media0607/60729foo ... review.htm