Devarkas Ramsey was ready to make all kinds of notes when he met his new coaches in the spring.
Ramsey earned playing time as a running back in coach Randal Montgomery’s final season with the Columbus High School football team. New coach Eric Rice knew about Ramsey’s athletic ability and searched for more ways to get him involved.
“Not sure what I was thinking when the coaches told me to focus on playing defense,” said Ramsey, a junior. “It was going to be a challenge, but I have no problem trying things, so it just kind of happened. My first love has always been running the ball, so if the offense needs me, too, I am there.”
Mike linebacker became Ramsey’s new calling. He still had a presence on offense, but in a reduced role.
Ramsey’s status changed Friday night when senior running back Derrick Jordan suffered a leg injury. Ramsey stepped in and had 22 carries for 150 yards and two touchdowns in a 45-28 loss at Vicksburg.
Despite the loss, Ramsey gave a stagnant offense a much-needed lift.
Improved production will be key when Columbus (0-4) travels to DeSoto Central (2-3) for the opening game of the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 6A, Region 1 schedule.
Since being hired to coach Columbus, Rice has pointed to the region schedule and has hoped the team would be ready to play its best in the final seven weeks of the season.
“We knew the first part of the season was going to be rough,” Rice said. “The goal has been winning region games. … The goal was to make some improvement on a week-to-week basis. Hopefully, that sets us up to play well in the region games.”
Columbus had four touchdowns in the first three games. Turnovers and the lack of a consistent running game have worked against the Falcons. Ramsey nearly proved to be the difference with the team’s first 100-yard rushing game of the season. Columbus also received a big lift from sophomore back Karon Hawk.
“Derrick is one of our leaders, so losing him early in the game really hurt,” Rice said. “You are losing his ability, but you are also losing that senior leadership on the field. Devarkas stepped up and filled that void. He really raised his game when having that opportunity.”
Columbus’ confidence remains high despite its struggles.
“We haven’t been practicing like an 0-4 team,” Ramsey said. “Everybody knows we are close to having a breakthrough. We just have to do a better job at all the little things. The offensive line played well (against Vicksburg). We have a chance to win some games.”
Still, Columbus committed five turnovers. It held Vicksburg to 291 yards and remained winless in large part due to three non-offensive touchdowns.
“The kids should take a lot of confidence (from the Vicksburg game),” Rice said. “If we can continue to play hard, eliminate some mistakes, we can win some games. If we can win that first game, the confidence level goes up.”
Follow Dispatch sports writer Scott Walters on Twitter @dispatchscott
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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