By John R. Schirmer
News-Leader staff
Joe T. Robinson returns to the Scrapper schedule this week after a two-year absence. The Senators will visit Scrapper Stadium Friday for Nashville’s Homecoming game. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Homecoming activities at the stadium will begin at 6:30 p.m.
“It’s a big week,” Coach Mike Volarvich said. “It’s Homecoming Week. Robinson is 5-0. They’re a really good team with really good players.”
With Homecoming events planned every day, Volarvich said it’s “important to focus and prepare like we do every week. We have to put aside the distractions.”
Robinson and the Scrappers are both 5-0 on the season, 2-0 in District 7-4A. Nashville is the top team in Class 4A in most polls, including the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Robinson is third.
Statewide attention will be focused on the Homecoming showdown. It’s the Game of the Week on 103.7 FM, the Buzz, in Little Rock. Jeremy Muck from the Democrat-Gazette will be on hand, along with other media representatives.
“The biggest thing is to overcome all the hype about the game and Homecoming – the parade, decorating, all that stuff,” Volarvich said.
“We’re not switching up what we do. We’re approaching the game like we did the previous weeks.”
Robinson’s staff says the Senators have 10 players who are being recruited by college programs.
Volarvich said receiver and safety Kolian Jackson (6-3, 210) has committed to the Arkansas Razorbacks. He transferred to Robinson for his senior year. Jackson is the son of former Razorback star Keith Jackson, a commentator on the Razorback Sports Network.
Wide receiver and free safety Nathan Page (6-0, 180) “is very fast. He’s a good player.” The junior transferred from Little Rock Catholic.
Myles Fells (5-11, 185) is a running back and linebacker. He transferred in from Pulaski Academy.
Edmond Robinson (6-2, 215) plays at running back and linebacker. He’s a senior transfer from Maumelle.
The Senators’ quarterback is senior Hunter Eskola (6-2, 180), the son of Coach Todd Eskola. “It’s his first year to start. He’s doing a good job,” Volarvich said.
Hunter Swoboda (6-4, 225) is a linebacker and tight end for Robinson.
“They have a bunch of kids who transferred in. They’re good players. Jackson and Page are D-1,” Volarvich said.
Nashville Athletic Director James “Bunch” Nichols encourages fans to attend Friday night. “We need a huge crowd,” he said.
Tickets for the game will be available Friday at the district’s administration building on Fourth Street until 4 p.m.
