LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — With two state titles in the last five years, the Joe T. Robinson Senators are used to being a powerhouse in the Arkansas high school football world.
That’s why the Senators are confident that last season will end up as nothing more than an aberration.
“Last year was a disappointment, around here 7-4 doesn’t cut it," said head coach Todd Eskola.
He's hoping that one of last year’s weaknesses, playing so many underclassmen, can turn into this year’s strength.
“When you’re playing 7 freshmen in a playoff game, that’s a problem. But now they’ve been there. Those kids have grown up now and look like high school athletes," he said.
Add that to a senior class that still remembers winning a state title.
“When you’ve got kids that have accomplished the ultimate goal, then have a year where it didn’t quite mesh, to have those kids want to get back on top is irreplaceable,” Eskola described.
Along with the returners, the Senators have a new star under center, Tyson Bradden— a transfer QB from North Little Rock.
So far, Eskola likes what he sees.
“He’s fantastic, very mature, all the tools, can make all the throws," Eskola said.
Bradden shared that he has quickly gelled with his new team.
“Came in like a family, got a lot of extra hours after practice, it’s been really good," he said.
“Tyson’s the guy,” said Eskola. “He’s done a great job since the first day he arrived. Just embracing the team, diving in the playbook, meeting the coaches, spending the extra hours, just like you want a quarterback to.”
It’s that work ethic that the Senators hope can help restart their winning ways.
“We’re back to the days of the Jack Clevelands, the Buddy Gastons, where we can have the full playbook. [We] haven’t had that for a couple of years,” Eskola said.
“We were more run-oriented, now we can throw it and run it.” Bradden agreed. “It’s balanced offense, run the ball well, pass the ball well, move quickly, and score a lot of touchdowns.”
Just like that, the bar has been raised at Joe T. Robinson.
“We can get back to our standards of competing for state championships,” Eskola said.
“The goal is a state championship, if we don’t do that the season feels like a failure," Bradden added.
The Senators start that journey in Week Zero with a trip to Pulaski Academy on Friday, August 30, 2024.