By Jake Dickman
NKyTribune sports reporter
After back-to-back winless football seasons in 2023 and 2024, Holmes withdrew from district competition and put together an independent schedule for two years to build a more competitive varsity program.
The Bulldogs ended a 26-game losing streak last year and finished with a 2-8 record. They’ll play the same 10 opponents this year and first-year head coach Emanuel Golsby has one goal in mind.
“We’re driving to get the community back involved,” said Golsby, a 2005 Holmes graduate. “The kids deserve it.”
The coach has four offensive and four defensive starters set to return this season. The most experienced skill player is senior quarterback Konscious Johnson, who passed for 468 yards and three touchdowns.
According to Golsby, the team’s “wild card” is junior Michael Chames. In addition to rushing for 188 yards and four TDs, he played quarterback, receiver and defensive back last season.
“He comes in every day with a smile,” Golsby said. “Whatever I ask him to do, he just looks at me and says, ‘Yeah, coach, I got you.’ He’s going to work his tail off.”
The other notable returners on defense are cornerback Devon Dunaway and lineman Damarcus Foster, who the coach has affectionately nicknamed “Big Fella” and expects a breakout year for the senior. Last season, Foster posted 11 tackles for loss, far and away the most on the team.
Sophomore running back My’Ron Stephen, who provided nearly 300 combined yards in rushing and receiving last year, is listed on the Holmes’ preseason roster. But his status is “to be determined,” said Golsby.
“We just have to make sure that he’s ready to go,” Golsby said. “And when that time comes — if that time comes — I told him that we’ll welcome him back whatever situations he has going on.”
Playing a 10-game schedule without the possibility of making the playoffs could affect a team’s mindset. But Golsby doesn’t feel it will hamper his players.
“For me, it’s being able to help get them through the season and see the positivity of it that we are very young,” said Golsby. “Within those seniors though, they know they don’t get to compete in district or in the playoffs this year, but they’ve been great on helping mentor these kids and setting the foundation.”
The Bulldogs’ goal this season is to outwork their opponents, control what they can control and focus on the little things. Golsby continually drives home one point — everything is earned, not given.
“We can’t control the two years we went without a win,” said Golsby. “We can’t control the two wins from last season. But what we can do is take it one game at a time, one play at a time.”
HOLMES BULLDOGS
2025 SEASON: 2-8 record, did not participate in playoffs.
STARTERS RETURNING: 4 offense, 3 defense.
DISTRICT: Playing regular season schedule without district competition.
HEAD COACH: Emanuel Golsby (first season as head coach)
Aug. 21 – BOONE COUNTY, 7 p.m.
Aug. 28 – at Ludlow, 7 p.m.
Sept. 4 – at Green County, 7 p.m.
Sept. 11 – HOLY CROSS, 7 p.m.
Sept. 25 – at Jackson County, noon
Oct. 2 – at Shelby County, 7:45 p.m.
Oct. 10 – OHIO COUNTY, 3 p.m.
Oct. 16 – THOMAS NELSON, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 23 – LEWIS COUNTY, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 30 – at Scott, 7 p.m.