Senators start fast, rout Rams

From start to finish, there was no stopping the Joe T. Robinson Senators.

Senior quarterback Hunter Eskola completed 9 of 13 pass attempts for 294 yards and 6 touchdowns, all in the first half, to lead Robinson to a 51-28 victory over the Hot Springs Lakeside Rams in the season-opener for both teams at War Memorial Stadium on Monday night.

"We expected to score a lot of points," Eskola said. "Our receivers really clicked and our line held their defense all night. When they can do that, our receivers are going to take it to the house."

Robinson Coach Todd Eskola, Hunter's father, said there are things for the Senators to improve on.

"But I'm very pleased with the way we played tonight," the elder Eskola said.

Robinson scored on its first seven possessions, a stretch that culminated with an 83-yard touchdown pass from Eskola to junior receiver Nathan Page with 2:12 left in the second quarter.

"Robinson is very good," Lakeside Coach Jared McBride said. "We gave them a few things, but they took full advantage of them. They're going to be a lot of fun to watch this season."

Eskola got things started with a 37-yard scoring pass to senior receiver Koilan Jackson less than two minutes after the opening kickoff. Jackson, who also scored on a 28-yard pass from Eskola that gave Robinson a 44-14 lead late in the second quarter, had four receptions for 106 yards.

Robinson led 51-14 at the half.

"We have a very explosive offense, so I really wasn't surprised by anything tonight," Jackson said. "I feel like we're going to be this way all year. Tonight, I knew they were going to play man-on-man, so I expected to get open."

"He's the No. 1 receiver in the state of Arkansas," Hunter Eskola said.

Todd Eskola passed the praise around. "I think we have the best group of receivers in the state," he said.

"It wouldn't surprise me if that's true," McBride said.

Seven players caught passes for Robinson. Junior receiver Hunter Swoboda caught 2 passes for 51 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Senior running back Edmond Robinson scored the Senators' lone rushing touchdown on a 37-yard run that gave his team a 24-0 lead with 3:22 left in the first quarter.

Lakeside scored on a 26-yard pass from senior quarterback Fisher Alexander to senior Caleb Dean to cut Robinson's lead to 24-7 late in the first quarter. Alexander found Dean for another score with a 4:10 left in the first half.

Lakeside scored twice against Robinson reserves in the second half on runs of 44 yards by senior back Jason Redfield and 20 yards by sophomore quarterback Taylor Gillham.

"We're not satisfied with just being a good team anymore," Todd Eskola said. "We want to be a great team."

"I truly believe we can win a state championship this year," Jackson said. "If we play up to our potential, we can win every game."

Sports on 08/30/2016