The only things more useless than preseason sports polls are ticket scalpers at Kauffman Stadium.

That's especially true at the smaller-college level. So let's ignore the MIAA polls from earlier this month when Northwest Missouri State got a No. 1 ranking and Missouri Western sat at No. 5.

Instead, we quizzed the coaches about a few players - and how prepared they showed up for practice - who will have roles in determining where the Griffons and Bearcats sit in the only poll that matters: the final conference standings.

Cornerstones

If either team is going to succeed, these two men are going to have live up to their potential again.

Northwest: Running back LaRon Council (5-10, 210). Council averaged more than 115 rushing yards per game last year, scored 35 touchdowns and totaled 1,739 yards.

"I'd be lying if I said I thought he was going to do what he did last year," Northwest coach Mel Tjeersdma said. "On the other hand, he's the kind of guy you just never sell short because of his work ethic and ... his mental makeup."

And Tjeerdsma said fans should expect even more from Council this season.

Expect the same combination of strength and power inside the tackles plus good speed. But the Bearcats plan to add a wrinkle.

"I think he can do more things," Tjeerdsma said. "He can catch the ball extremely well, and so we'll probably try to get him the ball more than one way."

Western: Quarterback Drew Newhart (6-0, 200). As a freshman, Newhart showed huge promise when he threw for 21 touchdowns to 10 interceptions while putting up 2,089 total yards on a 57.7 completion percentage.

As a sophomore, Newhart threw for more yards (2,769) and a better completion percentage (59.8). But he took some heat because his touchdown-to-interception ratio declined: He threw 18 touchdowns and just as many interceptions.

But Newhart didn't play behind a consistent running game, and the Griffons' offensive line was makeshift at best during much of last year because of injuries. Newhart's receivers also dropped too many passes.

This year, Newhart should be one of the most exciting players in the league.

Andrew Gilmore, a defensive tackle the last two years who is moving to right guard this year, has gotten an up-close look at Newhart's progression this past offseason.

"We were watching film, just watching him in slow motion a couple days ago," said Gilmore, who also is Newhart's roommate. "His accuracy just amazes you. On one play, he threw the ball 55 yards in the air with pinpoint accuracy, right over the receiver's shoulder.

"He's unbelievable. I think he's going to have a better season than his freshman year."

Newcomers

Who are the players you don't know but the coaches expect big things from?

Western: Michael Hill (5-11, 205), running back. Hill starred at Central High School, redshirted in 2008 and should contribute this season.

"He's got strength," said Western coach Jerry Partridge. "He's got great hands. He's got power. He's got speed. And he's physical. What else is there?"

Partridge said he thinks Western stole a top prospect in Hill.

"Nobody recruited him," Partridge said. "Not only should he have been recruited by five or six MIAA schools, but he should have been recruited by a 1-AA.

"I don't want to put too much on, though, because he's got to go prove himself now."

Western also pins high hopes on Matt Glades. Partridge expected the transfer linebacker to make a huge impact last season. But then he suffered a season-ending injury in practice before the season even started. Glades is back and healthy. And he brought his younger brother, Sean, a defensive line prospect.

"We think the Glades brothers, added to our defense, will help a lot," Partridge said. "They're going to make us better."

Northwest: Jake Soy (6-3, 210), receiver. Tjeerdsma had hoped Soy, a sophomore, would contribute last season.

"We were disappointed last year because he had some injuries and just didn't develop," Tjeerdsma said.

Soy comes from Durant, Iowa, and the adjustment from small town to a top-level Division II program proved challenging, Tjeerdsma said.

"He's figured out what it's going to take to play in this league," Tjeerdsma said. "The adjustment level was a little more than he was ready for.

"But now that he's ready, I'll tell you, his size and speed makes for a great combination. I think he's got a chance to be a really good player."

The Bearcats also have a set of brothers they hope make big contributions.

Backup linebacker Chad Kilgore (6-1, 225) pushed for playing time last year as a true freshman. That's a rarity in Tjeerdsma's tenure.

Northwest returns all three starters at linebacker but ...

"Chad is not content to be a backup," Tjeerdsma said. "He'll be a player."

Brother Kyle Kilgore (6-5, 235), a tight end, could become a factor on offense.

"His physical development," Tjeerdsma said, "has almost been mindboggling."

Sports Editor Scott Pummell can be reached

at scottp@npgco.com