PARK CITY — The 2004 Big Sky Conference Football Kickoff released its annual coaches and media preseason polls on Monday, and not surprisingly, the Montana Grizzlies topped both lists.
In the coaches' poll, the Grizzlies (five first-place votes) were followed by Eastern Washington (2), Northern Arizona (1), Montana State, Weber State, Idaho State, Sacramento State and Portland State. In the media poll, Montana got 16 first-place votes, followed by the Bobcats (6), Lumberjacks (5), Eagles (2), Bengals (1), Wildcats, Hornets and Vikings.
Wildcat running back Nick Chournos, an all-Big Sky performer in 2003, says the polls don't predict the future, but the Wildcats are grateful for whatever votes they can get.
"It's better than it has been the last couple years. We don't really care where we get picked," Chournos said. "If anything, we use it as motivation."
Even with the Wildcats being picked fifth in the coaches' poll and sixth in the media poll, players from each team agree the race for the conference title will be tight.
"In this league, anybody can beat anybody on Saturday. You've got to show up every week," Chournos said. "The last two years have ended with three teams tied for first place."
Northern Arizona, Montana and Montana State all tied for first place in 2003. Lumberjack linebacker Bruce Branch said the teams will be just as even in 2004, because the talent exists on every campus.
"There is an all-American on each team," Branch said. "You just can't pay attention to records or take a week off or you'll get beat."
Montana quarterback Craig Ochs thinks his team was voted first because of Montana's winning tradition, but the race for the conference title will be wide open.
"Whatever our record the previous year, we will always have a target on our backs," Ochs said. "But there are no weak teams this year."
Chournos said that for the Wildcats to separate themselves from the rest of the pack, they need to be ready mentally for each game.
"We need to prepare well for each game. We have some tough games at NAU, at Idaho State, and Montana State," Chournos said. "Mentally, we just got to go in ready to play. We can't let our guard down."
Two Weber State players were selected for the Sports Network Preseason All-American team. Wildcats junior defensive end Brady Fosmark was named to the first team and Chournos was chosen as an honorable mention.
BIG SKY CONFERENCE
Coaches' Preseason Poll
First-place votes are in parentheses:
1. Montana (5) 44
2. Eastern Washington (2) 40
3. Northern Arizona (1) 32
4. Montana State 31
5. Weber State 28
6. Idaho State 20
7. Sacramento State 17
8. Portland State 12
Media Preseason Poll
1. Montana (16) 209
2. Montana State (6) 183
3. Northern Arizona (5) 182.5
4. Eastern Washington (2) 146.5
5. Idaho State (1) 133
6. Weber State 98
7. Sacramento State 67
8. Portland State 61