PLYMOUTH  -- Plymouth State University was selected fifth in the Boyd Division in the New England Football Conference preseason coaches' poll, which was released Monday. The votes were cast by the conference's head coaches.

Defending champion Endicott College was the preseason favorite in both the Boyd Division as well as the NEFC overall.  Western New England College was runner-up in the Boyd Division voting, with Salve Regina University third, Curry College fourth, and PSU fifth. Rounding out the divisional poll are UMass Dartmouth, MIT and Nichols.

Defending champ Maine Maritime is the favorite to win the Bogan Division, with Framingham State second and Bridgewater State third.

Plymouth State finished with a 6-4 record last season, and tied for fourth place in the Boyd Division with Curry, both at 4-3. The Panthers return just five starters on offense and three on defense this fall under ninth-year head coach Paul Castonia.

The Boyd and Bogan Division winners will meet for the NEFC Championship on Nov.12, at the site of the Boyd Division winner. The NEFC champion receives an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament.

2011 NEFC Boyd Division Preseason Coaches' Poll

1. Endicott
2. Western New England
3. Salve Regina
4. Curry
5. Plymouth State
6. UMass Dartmouth 
7. MIT
8. Nichols                                               

2011 NEFC Bogan Division Preseason Coaches' Poll

1. Maine Maritime
2. Framingham State
3. Bridgewater State
4. Mass. Maritime
5. Westfield State
6. Worcester State 
7. Coast Guard
8. Fitchburg State