New Arabia Mountain coach looks to lead a new era

For more than a decade, Dante’ Ferguson has watched Arabia Mountain football from the sidelines, experiencing the program’s highest highs and its most difficult seasons.

But now, after years as an assistant, the longtime coach has the opportunity to lead the Rams himself.

As he enters his first season, Ferguson is embracing the head coach role with high expectations for himself and his team.

“Championship,” said Ferguson. “These seniors came in as winners, and they want to go out that way. They believe in themselves, they believe in the culture, and I believe in them.”

Ferguson, who has been part of the Arabia Mountain program since 2014, praised a senior class that resisted the growing trend of transferring schools despite back-to-back difficult seasons.

“They believe in themselves. They believe in the culture,” Ferguson stated. “Even with all the pressure of leaving, they stayed. They see something here, and they believe in each other.”

That belief is what gives Ferguson confidence that Arabia Mountain can once again compete for championships after consecutive losing seasons. Being around the team for more than a decade, he has witnessed everything from a 9-1 campaign and region title to seasons derailed by injuries and setbacks.

While Ferguson isn’t making many changes to the program, he is emphasizing one trait above all else, physicality.

“We’ve got to be physical,” he said. “Physical, physical, physical. That’s been my message. We’re going to throw the football, but I think our strength is going to be the running game.”

The Rams appear built for that identity, anchored by an offensive line that averages nearly 300 pounds, and an experienced seniors around the field. Among the seniors Ferguson expects to lead the charge are offensive tackle Asa Washington, running back Alex Chambliss, wide receiver Colin Mason, safety Solomon Barnes, offensive guard Horace Chester, center Matthew Larkin, and quarterback Nick Lawton.

Ferguson’s vision extends far beyond Friday nights’ wins and losses. As a Vanderbilt graduate, he has made academics a cornerstone of the program with mandatory study halls twice a week.

“We’re trying to build the complete player,” Ferguson said. “Football only lasts so long. They’re going to be dads one day, husbands one day. We want them to be successful in life.”

But Ferguson still expects his team to meet the goals they set for themselves on the football field.

“A successful year is making the playoffs, winning the region championship, and winning the state championship,” Ferguson said. “But the ultimate success is seeing these guys graduate.”

A fast start against Redan on Aug. 21 could set the tone for Ferguson and the Rams as they begin a new era of success for the program.