WACO, Texas (Dec. 22) – The California (PA) football was slotted No. 22 in the final American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Top 25 poll on Monday morning, as the program was featured in the final rankings for the third time in the last five seasons.

The Vulcans finished the year with a 9-4 overall mark after playing five nationally-ranked opponents. Cal earned an at-large berth to the NCAA Playoffs and entered the post-season unranked in the national poll. The Vulcans posted a road victory over third-seeded Virginia Union in the opening round of the playoffs to secure a home game in the second round.

Cal was ranked in the national poll six times during the regular season after sitting No. 15 in the preseason poll in August. The Vulcans sat in the top-10 for four-consecutive weeks this fall and climbed as high as No. 6 following victory at then-No. 4 Slippery Rock in Week 4.

Ferris State (MI) captured its fourth National Championship in the last five years and closed the fall ranked No. 1 in the country with a 16-0 record. Harding (AR) (15-1) remained at No. 2 after playing in the National Championship for the second time in three years. Kutztown (14-1) stayed at No. 3 after falling to Harding in the semifinals, while Newberry (SC) (12-2) vaulted 12 positions to No. 4 after losing to the Bulldogs in the semifinals. UT Permian Basin (11-3) climbed five slots to No. 5 after being eliminated from the NCAA Playoffs in the quarterfinals by Harding.

The Vulcans were one of two PSAC teams featured in the final AFCA poll. Overall, Super Region One placed six programs in the final rankings and three additional teams listed among 'others receiving votes.'

Cal played seven games decided by five points or less this fall, including four contests versus nationally-ranked opponents (Charleston (WV); Frostburg State twice; Virginia Union). The Vulcans also faced the winner of the Harlon Hill Trophy for the second time in the last 25 years, as VUU senior running back Curtis Allen received the award last week.