WACO, Texas – The University of New Haven football team has been ranked No. 12 in the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Preseason Division II Coaches' Poll, which was released today. The Chargers open the 2013 season on Sept. 7 at West Chester.

New Haven will start this fall at No. 12 after wrapping up the 2012 campaign slotted at No. 8 in the nation. The Chargers went 10-1 last season en route to their third-consecutive Northeast-10 Conference Championship and a second straight NCAA postseason appearance. UNH was ranked as high as third by the AFCA and fourth by D2Footballl.com.

Defending national champion Valdosta State tops the preseason ledger with 26 of 32 first-place votes.

The Chargers are the only Northeast-10 squad in the top 25, with last season's finalist American International among those unranked but receiving votes. New Haven's opening day opponent, West Chester, also received votes in the national coaches' poll.

The Chargers are entering their fifth season under 2012 Liberty Mutual NCAA Division II Coach of the Year Peter Rossomando. Following the season opener at West Chester, action comes to DellaCamera Stadium for the first time on Sept. 14 for the home and conference opener against visiting Pace.

To purchase 2013 University of New Haven football season tickets, visit www.NewHavenChargers.com/Tickets.