There isn't much Gabe Holmes can't do or hasn't already done on the football field for the Gravette Lions. As a sophomore in 20222, Holmes was the Lions' leading wide receiver (40 receptions, 604 yards, 4 TDs) but also had to play some quarterback (153 passing yards) and running back (42 carries, 393 yards, 9 TDs) along with various roles on defense and special teams. Holmes assumed several roles again as a junior, especially in the second half of the year when sophomore quarterback Cameron Bedwell was lost for the season with an injury. Holmes moved into the role of starting quarterback and ended up rushing 122 times for 1,124 yards and 29 touchdowns, completing 51 of 86 passes for 1,014 yards and 14 TDs. He also caught 9 passes for 257 yards, 3 TDs and was named to the all-Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Football Team. Two games into the 2024 season, the Lions have lightened Holmes' work load, using him primarily as running back. The Gravette senior, however, knows anything can happen down the road, and he's ready for whatever challenges may come his way. "One hundred percent." Holmes said. "Wherever they need me. I'll play to the best of my ability." Holmes has already had a productive season just two games in. He rushed 29 times for 238 yards and 4 touchdowns in the Lions' season-opening 26-6 win at Pea Ridge on Aug. 30, then added 97 yards and 4 more touchdowns last week in a 45-6 victory at Jay, OK. Gravette (2-0) hosts Durant, OK. Friday in a battle of Lions for its home opener. Holmes doesn't mind the lighter load as he's already carried 44 times for 335 yards (7.6 yards per carry) and scored 8 touchdowns. "I feel like we had people step into those positions that can take a little off me in that they were good at what they do," Homes said. "That helps me focus on one position to be really good." Gravette Coach Kelby Bohannon hopes limiting Holmes' work now will keep him fresh as the season goes on. The Lions are coming off a 7-5 season in 2023 where they won a home playoff game and advanced to the second round of the Class 4A playoffs. "We want to make a deep run into the playoffs," Bohannon said. "That's our goal. We know as the conditions change and you get further down the line, he's going to have to be a big piece of our success. Being able to alleviate some of those carries maybe early-on here just keeps him healthy and fresh for whenever we get ready to make that deep push in the playoffs. Lord Willing, we'll be all set and ready to go for that.
