The 2018 version of the Holmes Community College Bulldogs football team hopes to build on previous successful seasons in 2016 and 2017.
The 2017 team finished the season at 6-3 overall and 3-3 in the North Division while the 2016 team finished 7-3 after picking up a hard-fought victory in the Graphic Edge Bowl held in Cedar Falls, Iowa over Iowa Western.
In 2017, the offense led the NJCAA in yards per game with a 368.3 yards per game average. Sophomore RB Cameryn Brent led the NJCAA in yards per game with 152.6 average. He was third in rushing yards, fifth in yards per carry and fifth in rushing TDs.
Returning on the offensive side of the ball are Jesse Wilson, quarterback, Vicksburg; Gabe Short, running back, Ridgeland; Shaun Walton, receiver, Vicksburg; Demarcus Johnson, receiver, Port Gibson; Shye Link, receiver, Maben; Tripp Taylor, offensive line, Madison; Sam Ingram, offensive line, Madison; Jack Chavis, offensive line, New Hebron; and Tra Winters, offensive line, Vicksburg. Newcomer Reggie Hayes of Baton Rouge joined the team in the spring and will battle for playing time with Wilson.
Dylan Kelly of Pearl and Vonte Brackett of Hoover, Ala. have been named players to watch on the offensive side of the ball.
Returning on the defensive side of the ball are Caleb Roebuck, linebacker, Sylvania, Ala.; Tyshauwn White, defensive back, Flora; Luke Wilson, linebacker, Mantee; Brent Price, defensive back, Canton; Chavez Hill, linebacker, Winona; Brylon Fowler, defensive lineman, Northport, Ala.; Charvez Embry, defensive lineman, Eupora; and Jonathan Ware, defensive lineman, Durant.
Devon Scott of Hoover, Ala. has been named as a player to watch on the defensive side of the ball.
Many staff changes occurred during the offseason for the Bulldogs. Coach Jeff Koonz is in his eighth year as head coach. Raymond Gross is the only returning member of Koonz’s staff and has been promoted to Co-Offensive Coordinator with Brad Bustle. Other new staff members include: Don Yanowsky, Defensive Coordinator; Cob Summers, Offensive Assistant; and Derrius Bell, Defensive Assistant.
The Bulldogs’ season begins Aug. 30 in Goodman versus Copiah-Lincoln. All football games can be heard on Breezy 101 (101.1 FM) or breezynews.com. All home games will be streamed live via holmesccmedia.com. The away games will be streamed on the opponents’ websites. Follow Holmes Athletics on Twitter and Facebook to find kickoff times for all 2018 football games.
