Aug. 11, 2003

PITTSBURGH - Duquesne University, winner of six of the last eight Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Football League titles (1995, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2001 & 2002), has been chosen to "five-peat" in a preseason vote of league coaches released today. The Dukes, who have won an unprecedented four consecutive MAAC championships, received all five first place votes from the league's head coaches.

Duquesne, which finished last season with an 11-1 overall record, extended its MAAC winning streak to 24 games with an 8-0 mark in league play. It was the fifth time head coach Greg Gattuso guided the Dukes through the MAAC without a loss. During the current 24-game streak, the Dukes have outscored their MAAC opponents 992 to 220.

Duquesne returns 13 starters including eight first or second team All-MAAC performers from a year ago. First-team All-MAAC junior quarterback Niel Loebig, who threw for 2,685 yards and 29 touchdowns last season, leads the Dukes' offense. Loebig, who is 14-0 as a starter in MAAC action, led the league in total offense last season with 223.8 yards per game. Senior wide receiver Yardon Brantley, who pulled in 48 passes for 632 yards in 2002, is also back. Senior running back Mike Hilliard is coming off a junior season that saw him rush for 1,310 yards and a school record-tying 14 rushing touchdowns. The Duquesne defense will be led by senior defensive tackle Philip Polony, who ranks second on DU's all-time sack list with 19.5. Junior cornerback Armar Watson (five interceptions in 2002) and safeties Tim Pichette and Joe Pavlick are all back from a DU secondary that finished last season ranked second nationally in pass defense.

Duquesne opens the season under the lights at Bucknell on August 30.

2003 MAAC PRESEASON POLL
as chosen by league coaches

1. DUQUESNE (5)  352. Iona            253. Marist          224. Saint Peter's   205. Siena           136. La Salle        11