SALEM, Va. (July 18, 2019)- As the 2019 football season quickly approaches, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) announced their team predicted order of finish and the 2019 All-CIAA Preseason Team during their annual Football Media Day. The preseason predictions and order of finish were voted on by the CIAA Football Coaches Association.

Representing the Trojans on the All-CIAA Preseason Team is senior offensive lineman Frank Ball. As a leader on the field and in the classroom, Ball, a biology major from Hampton, VA, started in all games during the 2018 season. His impressive performance helped the Trojans secure victories over Johnson C. Smith (43-14), Shaw (34-17), Elizabeth City State (41-19) and Lincoln (54-7).

Collectively, the Trojans ended the 2018 campaign with a 4-5 overall record, 4-3 in the conference. As head coach Reggie Barlow enters his 4^th season with VSU, the Trojans are predicted to finish 5^th overall in the CIAA, 4^th in the Northern Division.

"I am excited about the 2019 football season," said Coach Barlow. "We've added the needed pieces to the program to help make this a great season. I believe that things don't happen to you, but they happen for you, so we will use those situations as lessons," explained Barlow in regards to the 2017 and 2018 season comparison.

The Trojans will open their season on the road to face Division I Norfolk State University on September 7 at William "Dick" Price Stadium. Kick-off is slated for 6pm.

For more information on VSU Football, visit govsutrojans.com, follow the Trojans on Twitter @VSUsports or call 804-524-5030.

2019 CIAA Football Predicted Order of Finish

1. Bowie State
2. Fayetteville State
3. Virginia Union
4. Chowan
5. Virginia State
6. Winston-Salem State
7. Shaw
8. Elizabeth City State
9. Saint Augustine's
10. Livingstone
11. Johnson C. Smith
12. Lincoln (PA)

Northern Division

1. Bowie State
2. Virginia Union
3. Chowan
4. Virginia State
5. Elizabeth City State
6. Lincoln (PA)

Southern Division

1. Fayetteville State
2. Winston-Salem State
3. Shaw
4. Saint Augustine's
5. Livingstone
6. Johnson C. Smith