Note to Our Readers: The accompanying images in this story were taken by Mrs. Ronni Tate Young. Mrs. Young is a RNN Sports photojournalist contributor, and we thank her for bringing these great pictures to our readers!
At deadline time for this story, the Charleston Tigers, fresh off of their big win at Elkins, were preparing to take the field against the Ozark Hillbillies. Ozark had lost big at Booneville the week before, and the “Battle of Franklin County” was an important game for both schools. Watch for an update on this game in the online edition of RNN Sports.
Looking ahead to Week Three of the Tigers’ season, head football coach Ricky May and the Tigers are preparing to host the Nashville Scrappers from Class 4A. The Charleston match-up with Nashville is unique due to the ripple effect of Hot Springs Fountain Lake electing to play eight-man football. A schedule gap was created from the Cobras’ move to eight-man football, and both Charleston and Nashville were looking for a Week Three game. Thus, this Friday night’s game at Alumni Field, and RNN Sports will be in Charleston to bring you exclusive, special coverage of this great match-up!
Nashville plays in the 4A-7 conference with member schools Arkadelphia, Malvern, Mena, and Waldron. It is a six-team conference that resulted from the drop out of Fountain Lake. It is a very tough conference that may be short on the number of member schools, but each team is very strong. Five of the six schools will make the playoffs from their conference.
The Scrappers return seven starters on offense and five on defense from a year ago. Nashville finished the 2021 season with a record of 4-6 and finished sixth in their conference. They are coached by Mike Volarvich, running the spread offense and multiple defensive sets.
Nashville opened the 2022 season with a Week Zero loss to Magnolia by the score of 35-27, and a Week One victory over Hope, 74-42. At deadline time for this story, the Scrappers were preparing to host DeQueen on September 9.
When I asked Charleston coach Ricky May to comment on Nashville, he replied, “They are very explosive and really potent on offense. They scored 74 points last week (vs. Hope). Their defense can really run to the ball and their special teams are dangerous!” Nashville has a tradition of talented athletes and great team speed, and this year’s edition of Scrappers football is no different.
Kickoff time in Charleston is scheduled for 7 p.m. RNN Sports will have two photographers on the field to bring you all of the action from this non-conference thriller! We will see you at the game, and we look forward to bringing you all of the action!
