NEVADA, Mo. -- The Nevada Tigers football team will be kicking off their season with very high hopes.

The Tigers have eight returning starters this year and 16 seniors total -- a group that head coach Jay Fleeman calls the "bright spot" of the team. This year's football team comes with more experience and an intense drive to succeed. "If we're going to succeed, we have to go to a higher level," Fleeman said.

Fleeman expressed very high hopes and while admitting that the Tigers do have a tough schedule this year -- much like the rest of Nevada's sports teams -- he said that the team has the ability to stay competitive against every team they will play.

Nevada has been plagued in recent years by the inexperience of young players, but Fleeman said that there is a good representation from the upper classes on this year's team and his players have shown a strong commitment to the game and their preparation. "The boys have really committed to the weight room," Fleeman said.

The Tigers have been working extensively on improving size and strength in the weight room and Fleeman said that some of his players have shown obvious surprise at the improvement in speed and agility -- along with sheer size -- that they have been able to gain from time spent lifting weights.

Fleeman is very pleased with all of the seniors who are a part of the team this year. He noted that these players have really been "taking ownership" of the team.

This year's senior class, Fleeman said, has provided strong leadership on the team and have been an anchor for the underclassmen. The younger players still lack experience, but members of the upper classes have become solid leaders and have motivated the young players to perform at their best.

Fleeman hired three new members to his coaching staff this year as well, hoping to improve the team as a whole. Brad Hankins was brought on to coach the defensive backs, Brad Begeman to coach the defensive line and Devin White for the wide receivers.

Fleeman is very pleased with the improvements and the will that his team has shown and hopes to be able to remain competitive throughout the season and continue the fire that the team already has through the year. The team is expected to be able to compete in every game throughout the year and Fleeman is confident that the changes that have come this year will provide strong benefits in the end.

The Tigers will start their season off next Friday night, as they head to Bolivar with their first home game coming a week later when Bolivar heads into Nevada.