"We want to go in as the underdog, nobody thinking we are very good and sneaking up on people," said the fifth-year Wright City football coach. With the season a month away from beginning, this summer has been an important time for Weir in continuing to build his program. Judging by Stephen Hanff's comments, the players are listening to the message. "As long as (opponents) don't expect much you can surprise them," said the senior linebacker. The Wildcats were ending their summer workouts this week, concluding a six-day camp on Thursday. It's been a busy summer for the squad, which is coming off a 2-8 season in 2007. With anywhere from 20 to 40 kids participating in weightlifting sessions three days a week and having attended a team camp in early June at Central Methodist University in Fayette, Weir has liked the progress his squad has made over the past couple of months. "They are working hard and getting after it," Weir said. "We have a lot of young guys that are excited about playing. We got a lot of people back from last year. The only good thing from having to play so many kids last year is they are back. Hopefully they are a year smarter and a year better." On Aug. 11, fall practices officially begin, much to the delight of the players who are donning only helmets and shoulder pads at camp. In what has become an annual rite with the program, following three days of non-contact drills, Wright City will be one of the first to slip on full gear. The Wildcats' fourth practice of the year Aug. 14 will run from midnight to 1:30 a.m. "I can't wait to hit somebody else," Hanff said. "There are a lot of people ready to hit." First, the players can't get ahead of themselves. Wright City spent this week's camp installing many of its offensive plays and teaching their defensive schemes. Since the season begins a week earlier compared to past years, Weir is concentrating on getting a bunch done in a limited amount of time. Fortunately, many of the upperclassmen returning this year have significant experience at the varsity level, a byproduct of last year's losing season. "Once two-a-days start, we will get the individual techniques down with why we are getting here and this is how we run it," Weir said. "The kids are going to be a little lost, but they are doing a good job. We are getting the plays in and going through them over and over. "We're just trying to get better." Wright City will hit the road for four of its first five games this season, opening Aug. 29 at Mexico. The Wildcats' home opener is Sept. 5 against South Callaway.