Four downs with Holmes

At their lowest, Holmes learned invaluable lessons.

The Bulldogs went without a win in 2023 and were shutout in six games.

As they move into a new season, they understand a turnaround begins with a positive attitude.

“We were very young last year and learned a lot,” Bulldogs coach Ben Nevels said.
“Overall I just love our attitudes so far. Our kids have really good attitudes in practice
and do what I ask them to do. If we can work hard on the field and take our burdens
off the field, we’ll be just fine.”

FIRST DOWN — RECAP

Holmes will aim to rebound from a 0-10 season, optimistic they have the tools needed to make it happen.

It starts up front with their offensive line where they return three key
players — Trenton Addison (6-foot-3, 348 pounds) RaShawn Johnson (6-feet, 202 pounds) and Quincy Huling (5-foot-11, 267 pounds) — who bring a blend of experience, talent and size.

In addition to this strong trio, Ezaiah Tillman will also make his presence felt as a
force at running back and linebacker.

Even with the core four in place, there’s much more that will come into play.

Between 2019 and 2021, the Bulldogs went 23-10 and 12-4 in district play and the
program may have become too content.

“We had a run where we had some straight-up dudes,” Nevels said. “They could flat-
out play and some of our younger guys, I think, got too comfortable watching those
guys versus learning how to play themselves and that’s completely on me. I’ve got to
make sure that they learn how to play from beginning to end.”

Despite their shortcomings last season, the Bulldogs aren’t far removed from success, going 6-5 in 2022.

SECOND DOWN — OFFENSE

Offensively, Nevels wants to take some inspiration from the Baltimore Ravens and the use of their MVP dual-threat quarterback, Lamar Jackson.

““We’ve got some big bodies up front so I think we can get physical,” Nevels said. “We’re going to play hard, run the football and take care of business from there.”

Nearly 83% of Holmes’ yards were gained on the ground in 2023 with Tillman returning as the lone player with a rushing touchdown. He knows he can only go as far as his line takes him.

“We’ve got a solid front line,” Tillman said “We’ve got heart too. Personally, I just
have to make sure all of our guy’s heads are up no matter what adversity or
challenges we face. We have to keep our heads up and keep going.”

Aside from Tillman, the skill positions are young, but possess the qualities it takes to
improve on a daily basis.

“We’re young and small in some areas,” Tillman said. “It isn’t always about that
though. We’ve got heart and that’s all that matters.”

THIRD DOWN — DEFENSE

The Bulldogs conceded a total of 453 points last season, averaging 45.3 points per
game, with three of those games surpassing 50 points.

Just as with the offense, the defense will be anchored by a strong and pivotal line.
Huling, Tillman and Johnson return with experience, Tillman leading the way with 34 tackles last season, nine of them for loss.

“Last year we had a lot of trouble with being at the right places on the field,” Johnson
said. “I feel like this year everybody has really locked in and focused on it in practice.
I feel like it’s going to show.”

Due to their front, Holmes aims to center the defense around blitzing.

“We are high pressure,” Nevels said. “I like to blitz and a lot of the coaches around
northern Kentucky laugh and say ‘Coach Nevels isn’t just blitzing one guy.’ We’re
going to bring some heat or as I like to say ‘bring the funk’.”

The Bulldogs’ had a total of three forced fumbles, 29 tackles for a loss and 14 sacks
last season. With the experience returning, those numbers should improve.

FOURTH DOWN — GOALS/OUTLOOK

The Bulldogs’ primary goal is to be the best people they can off the field, believing
this will help them with their goals on the field.

“My expectation for a team is to just be good people,” Nevels said. “I can teach
anybody how to run, block, and tackle. I could care less about that. I want you to be a good person, take care of our community and to do things right. That is our
expectation. If we do that, we’re going to be just fine.”

Holmes is set to compete in a district alongside defending Class 4A runner-up
Covington Catholic, a team that defeated them 61-0 last season. They will also face
challenges from teams like Lloyd Memorial and Mason County. No matter what
unfolds, the Bulldogs are determined to stay optimistic.

“If we keep a good attitude, I think we’ll be just fine,” Trenton Addison said. “It’ll help
us get more wins. If teammates are arguing, we need to help them out and make
sure everyone knows it’s not just one person’s fault. If there’s a problem, it’s the
team’s problem. We have to fix them together.”

For a team that missed out on the playoffs last season and hasn’t secured a
postseason victory since 2019, their focus is on a return.

“Making the playoffs is definitely the next step. As a varsity starter, I haven’t got that
experience,” RaShawn Johnson said. “I feel a lot better about that. We’re a lot more
confident as a team. I feel like we’re ready to go out and do it.”

SCHEDULE