Perhaps it’s the moment. Perhaps it’s the location. Or maybe, just maybe, it’s the talent. Whatever it is Bridgeport High School sophomore linebacker Mackenzie Holmes has made a knack out of making huge plays in Class AA state title games at Wheeling Island Stadium.

 

For the second straight season Holmes came up huge defensively in the final game of the year and helped play a pivotal role in the Indians getting a 43-7 win against Frankfort Friday evening. Last year, Holmes – the first freshman called up to the varsity roster at the start of the year since 1968 – came up with a huge interception late in what turned out to be a 14-13 victory over Wayne. This year, he added to his Wheeling Island resume.

 

“This is like home to us,” said Holmes on why he seemed to make his biggest plays in the biggest games of the past two years. “We’re expecting to come back here next year.”

 

Although the stakes weren’t as high this time around, Holmes’ big plays on the state’s biggest stage again proved to be difference makers in the Tribe defending its title for the first time in school history. With Bridgeport in control late in the first half, but the game still not in the bag, Holmes would help put it there.

 

BHS had forced the Falcons into a 4^th-and-19 from their own 19-yard line with a little more than a minute to go in the first half when Holmes came up with the first of two huge plays late in the opening two periods. With 6’7 quarterback Gage Shaffer back to punt after delivering several towering kicks earlier in the contest, Holmes and teammate Justin Massie schemed to add more cushion to the Tribe’s momentum advantage.

 

“I saw that (Justin) was taking care of his guy and so I told him to take care of his (blocker’s) outside shoulder and I would get through there,” said Holmes.

 

The plan worked to perfection as Holmes busted through and blocked the punt. Massie then capped things by recovering the ball at the Frankfort 16-yard line. On the next play, Dylan Tonkery scored a touchdown that eventually led to Bridgeport’s 29-0 lead at the intermission.

 

Even though Tonkery’s score came with 1:04 to play before halftime, Frankfort had a legitimate chance to get on the board in that time frame. A decent kickoff return coupled with two personal foul calls – including one on the BHS coaching staff – gave Frankfort a first-and-10 from the Indians’ 32-yard line. Although FHS had a full assortment of timeouts and plenty of time on the clock, Holmes made it a moot point on the second offensive play as he stepped in front of a Shaffer pass for an interception to dash the hopes.

 

Ironically, Holmes would figure in another play after that, but this one wasn’t exactly one for his personal highlight reel. On the final play of the first half, Holmes took a handoff on a reverse from his end position and threw a pass that was intercepted by Shaffer, who was likely pleased to return the favor. Despite the pick of Holmes’ pass, it did little to swing the momentum to Frankfort who never had it throughout the game.

 

“Coming out here and getting a chance to win it for the seniors made it all worth it,” said Holmes, who also forced a fumble in the first half that Frankfort would recover.

 

Holmes was able to make his mark in a game where Dylan Tonkery and the BHS offense both set rushing records. Holmes’ teammates and his head coach were aware of his contributions.

 

“Dylan easily overshadowed him, but (Mackenzie’s) performance didn’t go unnoticed,” said Nicewarner. “We need that performance all 13 weeks instead of just getting it here, but he played great and he was sick all week. He really sucked it up and I couldn’t be happier for him.”

 

Teammate Dante Bonamico also sang the praises of the sophomore standout.

 

“He’s a great player and he’s only a sophomore. He’s got a bright future ahead of him,” said Bonamico. “Mackenzie is a special player.”

 

Click HERE to read the game story.

 

Editor's Note: Mackenzie Holmes looks for room to run as Luke Southern (8) comes in to assist after intercepting a Frankfort pass late in the first half Friday. Photo by Ben Queen of www.benqueenphotography.com.