Norwich University was selected as the preseason favorite of the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference in a vote conducted by the league’s coaches. 

The Cadets, who went 6-1 in league play a season ago, received five first place votes and 61 points after finishing 7-4 during the 2013. The Norwich returns 12 starters from a team that made its second straight appearance in the ECAC North Atlantic Bowl. Highlighting the Norwich attack will be senior running back Al Georgio.

Gallaudet placed second in the poll after a historic season which included their first ECFC title, first appearance in the NCAA Tournament and a 9-2 overall mark. The Bison received three first place votes and 55 points. Gallaudet returns eight starters on an offense that year ago averaged nearly 26 points per game.

Husson, who posted a 4-3 conference mark in 2013 after earning just two wins in the previous three seasons placed third followed by Mount Ida, Maritime, Becker, Castleton and Anna Maria.

Prepare for the upcoming 2014 season with a run down of the leagues eight teams. For more information on each of the ECFC squads, click on the logos below.  The information inside includes a key contact information and quick facts, a review of 2014 including schedule and stats and a preview of the upcoming season.

1. Norwich Cadets

Norwich University football head coach Mark Murnyack believes that the groundwork has been laid for a successful 2014 campaign. With four-straight post-season appearances under their belt, the Cadets are primed to excel in the ECFC, thanks to a solid core of returners and a talented bunch of newcomers.

2. Gallaudet Bison

The goal over the years for the Gallaudet football program was to win the ECFC and last season the Bison accomplished just that. Even though it got fulfilled last year, the goal remains the same heading into 2014. 

3. Husson Eagles

The 2014 Eagles return 75 lettermen, including 8 starters on offense and 7 starters on defense from a team that went 5-5 overall and 4-3 in ECFC play a year ago. Husson was selected to finish seventh in the preseason coaches poll but finished the season tied for fourth. 

4. Mount Ida Mustangs

Just one year removed from an Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (ECFC) championship and the program’s first ever appearance in the NCAA tournament, the Mount Ida College football team has reloaded and is primed for another run at the title in 2014.

5. SUNY Maritime Privateers

With a majority of starters returning and a large crop of returners and newcomers, the Privateers will look to get back above the .500 mark and contend for its second conference championship.

6. Becker Hawks

Fourth year head coach Mike Lichten returns 16 starters from his 2013 squad which went 3-7 overall and 2-5 in the ECFC.

7. Castleton Spartans

The energy on the field has been palpable for Castleton Football during their first week of preseason training. First-year head coach Tony Volpone has his players moving constantly and interacting with the rest of his new staff with the expectation that his squad will come together in preparation for the 2014 season

8. Anna Maria AMCATS

The Anna Maria College football staff is primed for success in 2014, thanks to a talented core of returning veterans and a healthy mix of incoming talent. Under the leadership of third-year head coach Vince Sinagra, the AMCATS have recruited 39 newcomers who will add immediate depth.