One of the statistics that stands out prominently during Carson High's quick start out of the gate is its takeaway/turnover ratio.
Through six games, the Senators are sitting at a an amazing plus-14, which includes 11 interceptions. That's a stat coaches at any level would love to have, and the Senators' Blair Roman is no exception.
"That's what we're striving for, to win the turnover battle," said Roman, whose team visits Damonte Ranch at 7:30 p.m. tonight in a Sierra League football game. "It's a refreshing change compared to teams in the past. It's a major obstacle teams have had to overcome. Typically Carson teams have been negative in the turnover category."
Most of the ratio came in the 54-27 win over Reed where Carson had four interceptions and linebacker Junior Valladares returned a fumble for a touchdown. That represents a plus-5 or nearly half of Carson's current total.
In fact, Roman rates the Reed win as the best overall game by the defense.
"We gave up 27 points, but they have an outstanding offense," Roman said. "We had four interceptions, returned a fumble for a score and had three sacks. We played real well against Manogue (14-11 loss)."
Save for the McQueen game when the defense let two double-digit leads slip away, the Senators have been very stout.
A year ago at this point, Carson was 1-5 and was giving up 30 points a game. Through six games this year, the Senators are giving up a shade over 15 points a contest and have a 4-2 record.
"First and foremost we're stronger than we were last year," said Bob Bateman, the Senators' veteran defensive coordinator. "We're better technicians. The kids have confidence in the type of technique at this level.
"We have more kids competing for spots (this year). They know if they aren't executing we'll put somebody else in. They know they are going to have opportunities."
Another thing that stands out about the defense is its desire.
"We are flying to the ball," Roman said. "One thing we strive for is to have 11 kids running to the ball every play.
"We've made playing defense a big deal, a bigger deal than playing offense. If they aren't doing the little things out there we'll find the next guy."
Roman was asked to rate each level of his defensive unit - down line, linebackers and defensive backs.
Roman gave his defensive line group an A. Justin Barlow, Ryan Hoskins and sophomore Logan Peternell have been solid all year and Trevor Goodale has been coming on.
"I'd like to see us get a few more sacks," Roman said. "I'd give us an A-plus in terms of stopping the run and we'd be in the B-plus range for our pass rush.
"We have good all-around team speed. Not every guy is running 4.6 (40-yard dashes). Overall, all of our defensive linemen run pretty well."
The linebacking group, led by Valladares and Luke Carter has improved since the first couple weeks of the season.
"I would give them a C for the beginning of the year," Roman said. "The last three games I would give them an A, so probably overall we'd be in the B range. Luke has been our most consistent player. The linebackers run really well for this level."
Roman has been especially pleased with outside linebacker Connor Beattie and cornerback Spencer Roberts.
"The most pleasant surprise has been Connor," Roman said. "He hurt his knee last year and his freshman year played Pop Warner. He had a good experience playing youth football. He played very well against Manogue.
"Spencer never played football until last year, and he didn't play much last year. He's improved a whole lot."
Another unsung hero has been Levi Bloxton, who has played well at outside linebacker the past two games in place of quarterback-linebacker Blake Plattsmier, who is only playing offense right now because of a recent shoulder injury.