The Holmes High School Football Reset: Why The Bulldogs Opted Out Of The Playoffs And What Comes Next

The Holmes High School football program is currently navigating one of the most critical and challenging periods in its history, a period of complete systemic reset. As of December 17, 2025, the most significant news surrounding the Covington, Kentucky Bulldogs is the unprecedented decision to voluntarily withdraw from district and postseason play for both the 2025 and 2026 seasons, a move that signals a commitment to rebuilding the foundation rather than chasing immediate, unsustainable wins.

This dramatic shift comes after a string of consecutive winless seasons and a challenging period marked by a shrinking roster size, forcing the program to prioritize long-term stability and player safety over competitive district pressure. Despite the on-field struggles, a palpable sense of renewed optimism is sweeping through the campus, fueled by new leadership and the unveiling of state-of-the-art facilities designed to attract and develop the next generation of Bulldogs athletes.

Covington Holmes High School Football: The Bulldogs' Program Reset

The decision by Covington Holmes to opt out of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) playoffs for two seasons is a stark acknowledgment of the program’s recent struggles, but it is also a powerful statement of intent. The move allows the team to focus entirely on development, culture building, and competitive parity without the pressure of a district title or a playoff bracket.

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The Bulldogs compete in a challenging environment. Their previous district included powerhouse programs like Covington Catholic, which made the path to a postseason berth exceptionally difficult. By stepping away from the district schedule, the team can craft a more manageable and developmental schedule, crucial for a program dealing with a shrinking roster. This strategic withdrawal is not a surrender but a tactical retreat designed to ensure the program's long-term health and survival.

New Leadership: Coach Jon Hopkins Takes the Helm

A new era of Holmes High School football is underway with the appointment of Jon Hopkins as the interim head football coach for the 2025 season. Hopkins is not a newcomer to the program; he previously served as the offensive coordinator, giving him an intimate knowledge of the team’s dynamics and the challenges ahead.

Coach Hopkins’ vision is centered on a complete cultural overhaul. He has emphasized that the focus is now on "Building for the Future, Not the Finish Line," a philosophy that aligns perfectly with the two-year postseason hiatus. His challenge is immense: to stabilize the roster, instill confidence in a young team, and create a sustainable, winning culture from the ground up. This involves getting players to "take on different roles" and committing to a long-term development process.

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The 2025 season schedule, which kicked off on August 22 against Boone County, is being used as a series of building blocks. While the team has faced expected losses, such as a 12-34 defeat to Ohio County High School in October 2025, the focus remains on incremental improvement and player growth rather than the final score.

State-of-the-Art Facilities: A $26 Million Investment in the Future

The most compelling juxtaposition in the Holmes football story is the contrast between the on-field struggles and the massive investment in the program's infrastructure. Covington Independent Public Schools has committed to a $26 million renovation to the Holmes campus, creating brand-new, state-of-the-art places for its student-athletes.

These new athletic facilities are a cornerstone of the "Bulldogs' Reset," serving as a powerful recruiting tool and a symbol of the community’s commitment to the program. The upgrades include:

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• Newly Renovated Weight Room: A modern, state-of-the-art facility essential for year-round strength and conditioning.
• Updated Football Locker Room: A dedicated, professional space designed to foster team unity and pride.
• Multi-Purpose Gymnasium: Enhancing opportunities for all athletic programs.
• New Holmes High School Stadium Field: The new athletics and events field was celebrated with a community event and is a major point of pride, with the field named in memory of a significant figure in the school's history.

The dedication of these facilities, including the new stadium, represents a belief that while the program is currently struggling, the resources and commitment are in place for a successful future. The hope is that these world-class amenities will help reverse the trend of the shrinking roster and attract talented young players to the Bulldogs.

The Broader Holmes Football Landscape

While the Covington Holmes story dominates the national high school football conversation, it is important to note that the name "Holmes High School" is shared by other notable football programs across the country, each with its own unique history and recent developments in the 2025 season:

San Antonio Holmes Huskies (Texas)

The Holmes Huskies, located in San Antonio, Texas, are a perennial fixture in the highly competitive Texas high school football landscape. The 2025-2026 season saw the Huskies compete in a tough district, finishing with a 2-8 record. Their schedule included challenging matchups, such as a loss to O'Connor High School in October 2025. The program maintains a large roster, reflecting the depth and size typical of Texas 6A football.

John A. Holmes Aces (Edenton, North Carolina)

The John A. Holmes Aces in Edenton, North Carolina, also had a challenging 2025 season, including tournament play. The Aces concluded their season with a loss in a tournament game against Warren County High School in late November 2025. The Edenton program, often referred to as the "Aces," continues to compete in the North Carolina state playoffs, maintaining a competitive presence in their division.

What’s Next for the Covington Bulldogs?

The next two years (2025 and 2026) are a critical incubation period for Covington Holmes football. The absence of playoff pressure allows Coach Hopkins and his staff to focus on fundamental skills, team chemistry, and developing a deep, healthy roster. The success of the "Bulldogs' Reset" will not be measured by wins and losses during this time, but by the number of players who return for the 2027 season, the strength of the program's culture, and the ability of the team to compete effectively in their non-district games.

The long-term goal is clear: to leverage the new, $26 million investment in facilities and the fresh leadership to build a program that is competitive, sustainable, and a source of pride for the Covington community once they return to the district and postseason tournament play in 2027. The current struggles are seen as a necessary step back to enable a much larger leap forward.