July 27, 2024

By Fred Liggett
[email protected]

When the 2023 MIAA football season ended, league standings showed Central Missouri and Pittsburg State tied at the top and being crowned co-champions. According to both league coaches and local media when the 2024 season ends the Central Missouri Mules will be all alone at the top. The Mules were tabbed as favorites to win the title with Pittsburg State right behind them in second. Longtime league power Northwest Missouri State is picked third in both pre-season polls.

The Mules return the MIAA offensive player of the year in QB Zach Zebrowski and coach of the year Josh Lamberson. Zebrowski enjoyed a record-breaking 2023 season that ended with him being named the Harlon Hill Trophy winner which is given to the best player in NCAA Division II. Being named the conference favorite according to Zebrowski is “a cool thing.” Zebrowski adds “have a good team, have more respect.”

For Mules head coach Lamberson he feels “excited, honored, MIAA is the best conference top to bottom in the country.” Looking ahead to 2024 Lamberson says a key is “not being satisfied, extremely excited.” At the end of the day Lamberson just wants his team to “be our best selves.” Zebrowski feels the team is “really ready” and thanks to full camp this summer things are “a lot easier.” For Zebrowski to reach his goals he feels “getting sharper and make decisions quicker” will give them the results they are seeking.

The Pitt State Gorillas picked second expect to make a run at the title under first year head coach Tom Anthony. Anthony used to serve on the previous staff before taking another job. Anthony quickly admits he is “thankful and blessed to be back home.” Anthony as he guides the defending co-MIAA champions feels there is “so much familiarity with it.” One key for the Gorillas offense this year is the return of Christian Carter who spent last season playing at Memphis. Carter, a Lee’s Summit North graduate, is expected to play a big role this year. Coach Anthony commented “so happy he came back to us.”

Perennial league power Northwest Missouri State had an unchararistic 7-4 season a year ago. Bearcats head coach Rich Wright says he “is really proud of how they finished.” Wright, who enters his 21st year in Maryville, feels, “They have been working really hard over the summer.”

Another team to keep an eye on this season is the improving Missouri Western Griffons under head coach Tyler Fenwick. Dotting the Griffons roster is DB DeWaun Mack from LS North, TE Micheal Haggerty from St. Michaels and DB Robin Lucas from Lee’s Summit High School. With the aid of this local talent the Griffons finished 8-4 last season.

The MIAA conference is now a 10 team league after Lincoln left and Northeastern State became an independent. MIAA football teams begin practice on Monday, Aug. 5 and the first set of games will kick off on Thursday, Aug. 29.