Posted: Jan 12, 2015
With the additions of William Penn and Grand View�to the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) beginning in August, the Eagles will face six teams that finished in the 2014 NAIA Football Coaches' Postseason Top 25 Poll, including three in the top nine. The Eagles' 11-game slate consists entirely of league opponents.
"This is an incredibly competitive schedule for our program," Ford said. "We are going to be tested early and often, but I think our guys are up to the challenge."
The 2015 season kicks off Saturday, Aug. 29, the same way 2014 ended, with a trip to Peru State (Neb.).�
The season-opener is followed by home dates against Grand View on Sept. 5 and Culver-Stockton (Mo.)�on Sept. 12. The Vikings reached the 2014 NAIA Football National Championship quarterfinals after winning it all in 2013. The Sept. 5 affair has been designated as the Eagles' annual Hall of Fame Day, while the contest against the Wildcats is Community Appreciation Night.
Central Methodist then hits the road for back-to-back games at William Penn and Graceland (Iowa) before returning to Davis Field on Oct. 3 for Family Day against Benedictine (Kan.).
After a bye week and road trip west on Missouri Route 240 to defending conference co-champion and 2014 NAIA Football National Championship quarterfinalist Missouri Valley on Oct. 17, Ford's squad hosts Evangel (Mo.) on Oct. 24 for Homecoming.
The final away game of the regular season is Oct. 31 at Baker (Kan.). Central Methodist concludes the regular season with consecutive home games against reigning HAAC co-champion MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) on Nov. 7 for Youth Day and Avila (Mo.) for Senior Day on Nov. 14. The Eagles were the only team to defeat the Pioneers, who reached the 2014 NAIA Football National Championship first round before succumbing to eventual national champion Southern Oregon, during the regular season.
With just 23 days until National Signing Day,�Ford noted the importance of adding quality talent and depth for the upcoming season.
"Our�schedule next season is daunting, so we have to get guys that want to play against the best. Our returning players know how difficult of a league the HAAC is, and we need guys that want to be a part of our program and buy in for the greater cause of winning the conference and making a run at the national title."
The Eagles finished the 2014 campaign 5-6 overall but 5-5 against NAIA foes.
