Valparaiso University’s football team has been predicted to finish in eighth place in the Pioneer Football League this season according to the preseason balloting done by the league’s head coaches.

            San Diego, last year’s PFL champion, was picked to repeat, followed by Drake and Davidson.  Dayton was tabbed fourth, with Morehead State, Jacksonville, and Butler picked fifth, sixth, and seventh respectively.

            Ballots were tabulated with seven points awarded for a first place vote, with one point less being awarded for each succeeding place.  Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own school.

            The Crusaders will open up their 2007 season at Brown Field on Saturday, September 1 when the Crusaders host Saint Francis (Ill.).  Kickoff is set for 12 p.m.