Chad Fisher has been here before, and if history repeats itself the second-year LaFayette coach will be just fine with that.
The Ramblers went 2-8 in 2013 as they struggled to adapt to Fisher’s fast-paced spread offense and the physical demands it requires. As camp opened in August the coach couldn’t help but see a similarity to his last rebuilding job.
“I like where we’re at, and this team reminds me a lot of that second-year group we had at Gordon Central when we went from 0-10 to 5-5,” Fisher said. “The biggest thing we learned last year was that we were behind strength- and size-wise and pretty much outmanned every game. We spent a lot of time teaching and installing different principles and philosophies, and they have really adapted well this year to them.”
The main principle is pace, as in the faster the better. Fisher wants his offense to click off plays at a dizzying rate, the better to wear out defenses and to benefit from the one advantage the Ramblers feel they can exploit this season – speed.
“The kids are excited about the pace we want to get to, and even though we’re nowhere near where we want to be, we know it’s coming,” Fisher said. “Athletically we have some very good skill kids, and they really enjoy this offense.”