#7 GLIAC SOUTH
MALONE PIONEERS (2-9 OVERALL, 1-8 GLIAC)

2014 Malone Preview (by Tony Nicolette, GLIAC contributor)

While Malone was only able to piece together a pair of victories in 2013, that win total may belie the progress that coach Eric Hehman is making with his program…particularly considering they are only two years into their NCAA existence.  Last year’s offense doubled its points per game scoring when compared to 2012, and finished in the top half of the league in most statistical categories.  While the defense did struggle a bit statistically, the Pioneers were far more competitive in total with six of their losses placing them within two scores of their opponent…that only happened once during 2012.

So, who will lead the charge for Malone in working to be even more competitive in 2014?  Whoever leads the offense will have the luxury of leading rusher Justin Davis at his disposal.  Also back is leading receiver Jordan Phillips, so the cupboard isn’t entirely bare when it comes to the skill positions for the Pioneers.  About half of the starting offensive line is due back as well, so while the offense is not oozing with experience there are several key pieces present.

Much of the defense has departed, and that doesn’t bode well for a unit that allowed more than 40 points per game last season.  Shouldering the load will be senior safety DeMarco Donaldson, whose 119 tackles in 2013 was good for second in the GLIAC.  Last year’s top pass rusher, Brock Lundeen is also due back to anchor the defensive front after leading the team in sacks a year ago.

To a certain extent, the Pioneers’ schedule actually is somewhat favorable.  While they do open at defending league champ Ohio Dominican, that represents only two of their six away games that are against teams who posted a winning record last year.  On top of that, while they do draw both Upper Peninsula teams Malone will face both of them at Fawcett in 2014.  And, of their five home games, only two come against teams that posted winning records in 2013 (Michigan Tech, Findlay).