Ted LePage is an optimist.
But the Jefferson City head football coach is also a realist.
He knows the Jays aren't going to be the fastest, the strongest, or the biggest team in the state this season.
"But this may be the most together group we've had and they have made the effort in the offseason to better their bodies and better their minds as well as any team I've coached in a long time," LePage said Saturday during the team's picture day. "When you have that combination, that's going to give you a reason to be optimistic.
"Now, we have to go out and execute our X's and O's and we've got to have some pretty good Jimmys and Joes, but from a standpoint of togetherness and chemistry, I'm really optimistic."
Jefferson City returns eight starters on both sides of the ball from last year's team that went 6-4 after falling to Rock Bridge in the first round of districts.
Bringing back an experienced group is another reason the Jays like their chances this season.
"We haven't had to worry about as many growing pains just because we have so many guys coming back," senior wide receiver Ripken Dodson said. "The experienced guys have been able to help some of the younger guys. We're able to go through plays quicker, get things going quicker just because we have that experience.
"Everything's just clicking right now."
LePage agreed practices have been running smooth as the Jays prepare to open their season Aug. 22 at home against McCluer North.
"Our players come out everyday and have a blast playing football," he said. "It is so fun to coach right now and coach these guys. They've worked their tails off and they have great attitudes. ... I can't understand why every year can't be like this year."
Having a positive mindset and the drive to succeed set the tone early this summer for the Jays, who are two players deep at every position, making this year's team one of the biggest Jefferson City has had for several years.
"The intensity really picked up a lot in the weight room," senior center Tanner Jenkins said. "Everyone has gotten a lot stronger, and we really hit the conditioning hard, too. I'd say we're in a lot better shape than last year.
"Once it started getting tough, guys stepped in and tried to help them out."
The work ethic throughout June and July didn't go unnoticed by LePage, who preaches a "leave everything on the field" mentality.
"We had players that were physically exhausted during the summer when they were leaving the weight room or when they were leaving the practice field," he said. "To me, that's exciting because it tells me they're giving everything they have."
With the season opener 12 days away, Jefferson City has been covering all aspects of the game since official practices started Monday. And unlike recent years, the Jays have been able to incorporate more game-specific drills during the first week - another advantage of having a veteran group.
"We're all on the same page and everyone feels comfortable with each other," senior linebacker Travis Burris said. "Everyone comes out ready to work and we're all working toward the same goal. We feel like we're ready to go."
Jefferson City has also stressed the importance of intricate details that may be the difference in a close game. Forcing and limiting turnovers have been two of the biggest points of emphasis for the Jays.
"We've been working on that religiously every day," LePage said. "When we're watching video after practice, we can see that starting to be applied by the ways the guys are holding onto and going after the football."
Jefferson City will not participate in a Jamboree this year, but the Jays will hold a scrimmage at 6 p.m. Friday at Adkins Stadium.
A week later, they'll step under the lights when it really counts.
"We're certainly excited to play against a different-colored jersey because we've been hitting each other all summer now," Dodson said. "We still need to work on a few details, but I think if we were to strap it on right now, we'd do just fine."