They also were ranked 23rd by the Sports Network in ’97 and 24th in 1996 when they finished 11-0.
While some coaches treat the national polls as if they are radioactive and won’t go near them during the season, Chamberlin didn’t hide his pleasure over seeing his team in such esteemed company.
“We’re right there,” he said. “That shows the respect for our program. That’s good recognition for the hard work of our young men, that they’re getting that type of notice. In the players’ minds, (actually being ranked) is something they’d really enjoy.”
Being considered so highly is a feat for a nonscholarship program, considering most teams in the poll dole out the maximum 63 full rides. And receiver Justin Watkins would relish a shot at some of those more renowned squads.
“They’d be more athletic and bigger than we are, but week in and week out, we’re playing teams that are more athletic and bigger,” he said. “The difference is our coaching staff is unbelievable. We’re the most prepared team in the nation.”
DAVIDSON NEXT: The Flyers can claim their 11th PFL title in 17 years in the league by winning their final three games. But Chamberlin is wary of this week’s foe, Davidson (2-5, 2-3).
Some players at highly regarded academic schools may not necessarily have football smarts, but Chamberlin said the Wildcats are stocked with those who do.
“We hear reports that Davidson will reject people who are accepted at Harvard,” Chamberlin said. “That shows the quality of student they have there, and that transfers to the football field.
“They come up with different schemes and other little wrinkles here and there that can cause you problems.”
LIKE MOTHER, LIKE SON: Watkins, a fifth-year senior from Northmont High School, earned a bachelor’s degree in special education last spring and currently is attending graduate school.
His mother, Beth Barker, also earned a degree in special ed two years ago at Antioch College and currently teaches at Northmont.
“I told her I wouldn’t ever want to compete for the same job,” Watkins said. “If it came down to that, I’d just give it to her.”
Contact this writer at
(937) 225-2125 or
dharris@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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