Waiting game pays off for La Salle’s Chris Ferguson

WHITEMARSH >> Chris Ferguson is pretty good when it comes to the game of football.

The tough game for him was the waiting game.

Through a series of crazy circumstances, the La Salle senior quarterback, who will be at the helm when the Explorers host two-time returning state champion Archbishop Wood Saturday night (7:00) at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School, was forced to take a backseat, first to Ryan Stover at Upper Dublin, then, after a transter to La Salle, to current Vanderbilt University signal-caller Kyle Shurmur, who had transferred into the program when Ferguson had dreams of starting for three successive seasons.

“It was a difficult time, to be honest,” Ferguson said. “I just put my head down and tried to learn all that I could.”

Still, it was not what Ferguson had envisioned when he began his high school career.

“My first year at La Salle was a learning year, and I really didn’t mind (not getting varsity snaps),” he said. “But then, last year, you go through the two-a-days (practices), you go to all the (weight-lifting sessions), and you don’t get that immediate gratification.”

Forced to, once again, play the waiting game, Ferguson was, understandably, frustrated all over again.

“Our coaches kept telling me to be patient,” he said. “and that I would get my chance.”

It turned out the La Salle coaches and teammates and friends and all those encouraging him were right.

Comfortably ensconced now as the Explorers starter, Ferguson has led the Explorers to a 3-1 start.

And while he hasn’t been called upon to flood the air with footballs, he is content and very happy to be where he is.

“I love La Salle and I’m so happy to be here,” Ferguson said. “Kyle was an awesome guy. He took me under his wing and became a good friend.

“Now, as the starter, I love playing the position. I think I’m a good leader.

“I love all the guys looking to me to call the plays and make the plays. I’m a team guy, so whatever works for the team is OK with me.

“I just try and make the best of the throws I get. But the team around me is so good, our offensive line has been great. They’ve made things easy for me.”

One group that won’t make things easy are Wood’s Vikings, who have gotten off to a typically strong start.

“We’ve been watching a lot of film on them,” Ferguson said, “and they’re quick, tough and they have a team full of great players.

“But these are the kinds of tests you ask for. You get to test your ability and test your knowledge.

“I’m really looking forward to it.”

Finally, the waiting game is over, and the frustration is now behind Chris Ferguson.

“It ended up working out pretty well for me,” he said. “I just thank God for putting me on the path I’m on.”