LaFayette Ramblers

LaFayette two-way starter KaDarrian Ramsey will be a key cog in the Ramblers' revamped defense.

Pedal to the metal

Chad Fisher does not sugarcoat it. The LaFayette defense last year was awful, and the numbers are not something a coach ever wants to see.

After a promising 2-1 start in nonregion play, the Ramblers went winless in Region 7-AAAA. The lowest point total they gave up during league play was 41. There were games in which they allowed 69, 62 and 55 points. They gave up 52 to Heritage and 49 to a four-win Ridgeland team.

"There were times last year when we were just overmatched," Fisher said. "We made some changes in the offseason, and our biggest thing is we want to fly around and compete. We're accomplishing that so far."

Fisher has turned to former LaFayette player Matt Yarbrough to coordinate a defensive turnaround. Yarbrough is switching schemes to the 3-4 to take advantage of an athletic - and also very young - group of linebackers and a secondary led by ball-hawking speedster KaDarrian Ramsey.

Among the eight starters returning defensively is leading tackler Clayton Lane, a senior linebacker who likely will do as much teaching as he will tackling this year. He could be joined by as many as three freshmen on the field at the same time.

"We're counting on Clayton to be a leader for us because we've got some young talent back there," said Fisher, mentioning freshmen Colton Lane, Jake Martin and Andrew Pendagrass. "We feel good about the change and the direction Matt is leading the defense."

- Capsule by Lindsey Young; contact at lyoung@timesfreepress.com or follow on Twitter: @YoungSports22