(KJCCC) Wichita, Kan. - Voted sixth in the 2016 preseason coaches' poll, the Garden City Broncbusters have changed a few minds after going undefeated and winning the national championship.  The Busters, under head coach Jeff Sims begin the 2017 football season as the top pick in this years' poll.

Traditional conference powerhouses did not fare as well in the 2017 vote.  Perennial NJCAA stalwart Butler, the 2016 preseason favorite, came in fifth this year.

Rion Rhoades' Hutchinson Blue Dragons are voted fourth, while longtime conference title contender Coffeyville came in at the seventh spot.

Perhaps the surprise of the poll is the third-place vote for Independence.  Indy is beginning their second year under head coach Jason Brown.

The 2017 KJCCC football season opens on August 24 in Dodge City and Garden City, and on August 26 in Hutchinson, Independence, and at Butler.