Published: September 30, 2008 03:31 pm            

Navarro moves to No. 1 in JUCO poll

Bulldogs get 6 of 7 first-place votes

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Navarro College’s ascension to the top position among the NJCAA football elite comes with a jersey accessory — a nice, big target.

Navarro’s 44-34 come-from-behind victory over Tyler last Saturday, coupled with Blinn’s 20-17 triple overtime loss at Kilgore, propelled the Bulldogs into the top slot of the NJCAA/JCFootball.Com poll announced Tuesday.

Navarro received six of seven first place ballots and 139 points. Snow College (Utah) was second with 132 points, followed by Jones County (Miss.) and Butler County (Kan.). Blinn fell to No. 8 in the country.

“Being voted the top team in the nation is something for the kids to be proud of,” said Navarro Coach Nick Bobeck. “But it also puts a target on your back and you will be getting everyone’s best game each week.”

That’s fine with running back William Powell, who rushed for 127 yards and two scores in the win against Tyler.

“That comes with the territory,” Powell said. “We’re now going to be the hunted, just like we’ve been the hunters for the last two years. The key is to not look past any game. You have to prepare, practice and play every game like it’s the only one you have left on the schedule.”

Navarro, which hosts No. 12 Trinity Valley (4-0) Saturday at 3 p.m. at Tiger Stadium, is making its first appearance at the top of the NJCAA rankings since 1989, the year the Bulldogs claimed their lone national championship.

“The two number one teams haven’t fared too well this season, “ Bobeck said of Blinn, who opened the season with a 20-17 win over preseason No. 1 Butler County. “It’s something for which the kids can be proud, yet it’s also incentive to keep working at a high level each week. Everyone is gunning for you when you are at the top.”

Powell says the Bulldogs will enjoy the top billing, but insists it will not lead to complacency.

“You’ve got to enjoy the ranking while you have it, but everyone wants to take that top spot from you,” he said. “Anybody can beat anybody in our conference if you are not ready to play. We’ve got to make sure we’re ready.”

        

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