Prep Football team previews: Antelope Rams

Antelope Rams set sights on playoffs with new head coach

WELLTON, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Antelope Union High School Rams are back on the field after finishing last season with a 6–4 record, and this year, there's a new leader at the helm.

Head coach Alfonso Brown, formerly an assistant at Gila Ridge, is taking over the program with a simple message: Build from the ground up.

"The big hits or those big plays come…but getting the little things right early in the season might get us into a rhythm," Brown said. "We're a little young on this side, a lot of juniors, a sophomore, so we're less experienced than I'd like. But it sets us up for the future, and we'll be well-prepared."

Brown inherits a roster that lost several key seniors but still expects to be in the mix for a playoff run. For senior captain Kevin Yeghoian, that means stepping into a much bigger role.

"It's weird as a returning captain to lose so many seniors and realize…I'm the big guy now," Yeghoian said.

Consistency will also be key for the Rams. Junior quarterback Trane Figueroa said he's embracing his responsibility under center.

"I'm making sure I'm there every single day being someone reliable for everybody else and just taking priority in what I do," Figueroa said.

Sophomore running back and linebacker Ethan Farnsworth is one of the young players being called on to make an immediate impact.

"To be starting running back now in my sophomore year is a really cool experience," Farnsworth said. "I'm gonna compete, hit hard, and run that ball down the field."

Despite being young, Brown said the team's approach won't change: Play tough and keep fighting, no matter the scoreboard.

"Whether we're winning or losing, if we have that mentality all season, we're gonna win some football games and make some noise in the playoffs," Brown said.

The Rams kick off their season on Friday against Mountainside.