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"We have a long way to go and a short time to get there," Butler said. "I'm sure every coach in the state feels the same."
The Bulldogs got to work right away on the first day.
"We worked on all three phases; kicking, offense and defense," Butler said. "We had a week off after our camp and we're back here again picking up where we left off. We have a lot of little things to improve upon. To do that, we have to have good practices."
Butler and his coaching staff hope the players continue to show improvement. "Every position is open," Butler said. "It's important the kids understand they have to get better each and every day."
The weather cooperated on the first day of practice.
"It was actually chilly early in the morning," Butler said. "It will probably be 105 degrees tomorrow. That's weather in Missouri for you."
Missing the playoffs last year is something St. Clair's upperclassmen have not forgotten.
The Bulldogs were 6-4 overall, 4-2 in the Four Rivers Conference, but 1-2 in Class 4 district play. A home loss to Hillsboro in week nine was especially disappointing.
"Our kids are motivated. They want to play well and do well. We didn't play well at the end of last season," Butler said. "But we're not thinking about the playoffs. All we're thinking about is playing the Borgia Knights on Aug. 28."
The Aug. 28 opener will be a big night at Borgia. The school will be celebrating 50 years of Borgia football.
"It's going to be an exciting place. There will be a lot of electricity. We're going to have our work cut out for us," Butler said. "Borgia always is a tough place to play. Coach (Dale) Gildehaus is a hall of famer and a true coaching legend."
St. Clair once again will compete in a jamboree Friday, Aug. 21, at Farmington High School beginning at 6 p.m. The Bulldogs will play against Cardinal Ritter, Cape Central and Poplar Bluff.
New to Butler's coaching staff this season is Borgia graduate Nick Heggemann, who will be the defensive coordinator.
Heggemann, who played college football at Southwest Baptist University, previously coached at Willow Springs High School.
Cody McDowell, Dave Purviance, Steve Harris, Ben Garmer and Mark Houser also return to the staff.
The biggest change for St. Clair football this season will be its new turf field, which is expected to be ready for the home opener Sept. 4 against Salem.
