HOUSTON - The Southland Conference officially kicked off the new football season on Tuesday with the annual Southland Football Opening Drive at the George R. Brown Convention Center with McNeese being represented by head coach Matt Viator, senior running back Tre'Vonte Citizen and senior safety Javon Davis.
 
The event, which began on Monday with social media content being recorded of the athletes by the league office and was capped by a day-long event of media rounds on Tuesday.
 
Optimism about the league among the 10 head coaches representing their teams is at a high level with some acknowledging its the best they've ever seen it.
 
"It was great to see three of our teams make the playoffs last season," said Viator. "I've been fortunate to have been in this league for a long time, and the football is really good. I was not surprised it was still at that level when I came back so hopefully we can continue that. Hopefully our programs will keep investing and will keep getting better and elevate the league to the standard that we think it can become."
 
The Cowboys showed great improvement in the second half of last season, winning four of their last six games including in the season finale at nationally ranked Lamar.
 
The Cardinals were one of three teams advancing to the FCS playoffs, joining league champion SFA and Southeastern to mark the first time since 2018 that has happened.
 
"Obviously you'd like to see somebody bring back the trophy from Nashville (FCS National Championship)," said Lamar head coach Pete Rossomando. "We (the Southland) should be there. We've got Texas and Louisiana with some of the finest football players in the whole country. (The league) has the best players, and in a lot of ways, the best coaches."
 
SFA head coach Colby Carthel added: "I think you're going to see this league elevate and I think it starts with leadership. I'm in my eighth year at SFA and have been around, the commitment to this league, from the conference office, the university presidents and the ADs, it's at the highest point I think it's ever been and I think that's why you're going to continue to see three or four teams get in the playoffs and see some really high level being played across the Southland."
 
McNeese reports for fall camp on July 28 with its first day on the practice field on July 29. The Cowboys will practice in the mornings leading up to the season opener on August 29 at home against defending league champion SFA.
 
"I believe we've had a really good offseason and getting ourselves prepared well for the season," said Citizen. "But when it's all said and done, the goal is to hoist the trophy at the end of the season."
 
"There's a difference between being ready and prepared," said Davis. "I want to make sure everybody on our team is prepared to play that first game and the entire season all-in-all. Again, we're playing the defending champs. I want to make sure my guys are prepared, me as well, and see consistency."
 
Two preseason league polls are expected to be released within the next few days.