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It’s been four years since the Nashville Scrappers reached the class 4A state title game. The last three years has seen the team lose in the quarterfinals, with the past two losses at defending champion Shiloh Christian.

However, this year’s squad hopes to return the team to Little Rock in December.

“Our goal is to win the 4A state title,” said Nashville head coach Tim Perry. “We fell short last year. We got close, but to get that close and not play for it leaves you hungry. The players are anxious to get back out there and prove themselves.”

Certainly the players have put in the time and work necessary to compete for a state title.

The team began offseason practice in December, not long after dropping a 48-10 loss to the Saints over the Thanksgiving weekend.

Players worked throughout the winter and spring months, lifting weights and working on conditioning drills.

As the end of the school year neared, the Scrappers took part in spring practice drills.

While the end of the school year meant summer vacation and time off for most students, the Scrappers never missed a beat. Nashville took part in three team camps at Nashville, Magnolia, and El Dorado.

The team also took part in 7-on-7 games throughout June and July. The Scrappers played in two tournaments: the Shootout of the South in Little Rock and the Fountain Lake 7-on-7 Tournament.

During the month of July, the Scrappers hosted a 7-on-7 league on Monday nights.

In addition, the team also engaged in its annual summer workouts of lifting weights and conditioning three days each week.

With a total of 61 players on the roster this year, the team had 39 players who never missed a workout.

“That’s pretty remarkable. That says quite a bit about how serious they are,” said Perry, who felt the players turned in quality work throughout the summer work.

“Our kids did a great job. The effort was very good. It was a very productive summer. I also want to thank the coaches for all the hard work and extra time they put in.”

The Scrappers return a good nucleus of players from a team that finished 10-3 last season. Seven players return on offense and four more return to the defense. Captains for this year’s team are seniors Chris Carroll, Jared Morrow, and Ethan Turner.

“This is a good, young group of kids. They’ve worked hard all year. This is a very coachable group,” said Perry.

With a younger team last year, the Scrappers finished third in the rugged 7-4A behind state-runner up Pulaski Academy and senior-heavy Pulaski Robinson. PA went on to finish second in the state; Robinson reached the semifinals. A total of four teams from the conference reached at least the quarterfinals.

“That says a lot about our conference. There are a lot of quality teams in our conference and in the 4A classification. We know we’re not alone in our goals.”

However, the Scrappers already have believers around the state. Hooten’s Football Magazine has predicted Nashville to finish second in 4A – behind conference rival PA.

But Perry says the high expectations from around the state are expected and welcome, and they won’t add pressure to a very difficult schedule facing the Scrappers this year.

“This is a historic program here at Nashville. When you’re a Nashville Scrapper, you kind of expect it.”

Perry said the key to success this year for Nashville is to be prepared every Friday night.

“We’ve got to be prepared each week. We can’t take anyone for granted. We need to play at a high level and execute each week. And we need to bring our best every week. We have 10 quality opponents that we’re going to face. I’m confident in our players.

“We’re going to play with a lot of passion and enthusiasm. We’re looking forward to the challenge,” said Perry.

ARTICLE PROVIDED BY:  NASHVILLE LEADER