Last year, Drake was the surprise of the Pioneer League race in posting anunbeaten conference record enroute to their second title in four years. With18-starters back from a team that was 7-3 overall, coach Rob Ash feels theyhave a legitimate shot to make it two in a row.Ash says if there is any complacency, it will show during a challengingpre-conference schedule.The losses from last season were few but one was very big. Running backJason Grove graduated as the school’s all-time leading rusher and Ash sayshis ability to make plays, especially in big games, will be missed.Drake has posted seven or more victories in their last seven straightseasons and Ash says over that time the schedule has kept getting tougher.He says this year’s slate is the most challenging yet.