It probably came as no surprise to many that Mississippi Valley State is picked to finish last in the Eastern Division of the Southwestern Athletic Conference.
After Friday’s release of the preseason poll at SWAC Media Day, that’s where the Delta Devils find themselves headed into the 2016 season. Unfortunately, it’s a spot MVSU is all to familiar with. The Delta Devils have gone 3-12 in the first two seasons under Rick Comegy — finishing in the SWAC East cellar both times.
Comegy is adamant that things will be different this fall. The Delta Devils relied on a lot of freshman last season, which was filled with growing pains, but the team became more competitive as the season progressed.
“We have a lot of great football teams in this conference ... to me, they’re not walls. They’re just doors we have to open up to our success,” Comegy said. “They’re open doors, and doors of opportunity. We’ll put a dent in it.”
Alcorn State is tabbed to be back in the conference title game for a third consecutive season. The Braves, who have won back-to-back SWAC titles, earned 44 points and were picked to finish in first place in the conference’s East Division. Prairie View A&M, which went 8-2 in 2015, is picked to finish atop the West Division, ahead of Grambling.
Alabama State is in second in the east, while Jackson State is picked to finish third.
Valley sophomore Booker T. Chambers of Greenwood said Friday he believes the experience gained by a young team last year will make them much better this season.
Chambers, a former Greenwood High School standout, was one of three MVSU players named preseason All-SWAC. As a kick returner, he joins defensive back Farrean Toney on the second team. Defensive back Marquis Green was named to the first team.
In 2015, Chambers led the Delta Devils in scoring with seven touchdowns. As a true freshman, he hauled in 15 receptions for 194 yards and three touchdowns. Chambers returned 35 kickoffs for 777 yards, with a long of 88 yards. He also rushed for three scores and had one passing touchdown — totalling 1,098 all-purpose yards.
Comegy said the team will implement a new, short passing game to best utilize Chambers’ talents.
