Wide Open Race Seen For 2012 NEFC Title

Falcons collect 12 points for eighth pick in Bogan Division

FITCHBURG, Mass. (August 16, 2012) – If the votes in the pre-season coaches’ poll are to be an indication, the race for the 2012 New England Football Conference (NEFC) championship is as wide open as it has ever been. Fitchburg State received 12 points among the coaches, earning eighth overall in the Bogan Division poll.

The Bogan Division coaches voted both 2011 Division champion Framingham State University and Bridgewater State University as co-favorites to win the Division. Each institution received four first place votes, while garnering 58 of a possible 64 points. Westfield State University finished a distant third with 41 points.

In the Boyd Division, defending NEFC champion Western New England also received 58 points with three first place picks. Salve Regina University and Endicott College were a close second with 54 points each.

The balloting for the Divisions was based on a point system with eight points awarded for a first-place pick descending to one point for an eighth place selection. Each coach ranks teams in their own division and each coach was asked to pick the eventual Conference champion.

The 2012 season begins Friday, August 31st, as Fitchburg State travels to Becker College for a 6 p.m. kickoff. Division play begins the weekend of September 21st, with the final NEFC Championship game to be played Saturday, November 10th at the site of the Bogan Division winner.