Most of today’s high school athletes work year round.

It might seem like a burden for teenagers to have to spend 12 months a year just to be part of their team.

But, not for the most dedicated of athletes, such as Northwestern junior quarterback Justin Holmes.

As far as Holmes is concerned, there’s nothing the three-sport athlete would rather be doing.

While he plays three sports, football is the one Holmes said he works at year-round.

“I like that football is all year,” said Holmes. “Right now we can’t get together, but I’m trying to do some individual lifting and just get bigger and strong for next year. Basketball helps me agility-wise, and baseball is just all-around you have to have good vision and things that help me for football.”

It’s Holmes’ love of the game that led him to a record-setting season and this year’s Times News/Lehigh Valley Health Network Football Player of the Year selection.

After earning all-state recognition as a sophomore wide receiver in 2019, Holmes took over at quarterback for the Tigers last fall after the graduation of all-state signal caller Deven Bollinger, a two-time TN Football Player of the year.

Despite playing just nine games during a season shortened by coronavirus precautions, Holmes posted over 1,000 yards on the ground and through the air.

He completed 66 passes for 1,425 yards and 18 touchdowns, while throwing just eight interceptions. Five of those picks came in his first game of the season, meaning he threw just three over his next eight games.

Holmes also ran for a team-high 1,169 yards on 140 attempts, including a team-high 13 rushing touchdowns.

The team set program records for points per game (40.1) and yards per game (404.6) as the first-year varsity quarterback completed nine of those passes for gains of over 50 yards while also running for over 50 yards one two occasions.

Holmes played quarterback his entire life until he was called on to play wide receiver for one season until the QB job opened.

When his junior season ended, Holmes had no idea how his preparation as the varsity starter would be interrupted.

“That was one of the downsides of COVID(-19) and not having an offseason,” said Northwestern head coach Josh Snyder. “You didn’t get the 7-on-7s, you didn’t get the leadership skills where you’re behind the line and getting everybody lined up. That was done in camp, and that was really tough. I thought we worked through a lot of those while winning games, which was nice to see.”

Holmes led the Tigers to a 5-0 Colonial League record. The team’s only losses were a setback to Berks Catholic, and another in the district title game to Central Catholic.

“I think we did a lot better than most people expected,” Holmes said. “I knew going in that we were small, but we were an athletic group and determined to win. When we came out 7-2 and district runner up, I was very happy.”

While the new varsity quarterback was adjusting to his leadership role on the varsity team, Snyder was also adjusting to having a different kind of quarterback.

Not only is Holmes more of a dual-threat than his predecessor, he also has a different demeanor.

“Deven was really stoic,” said Snyder. “He was never too high or too low to the point where you were like ‘Are you having fun?’

“Justin is a little bit different. He’s a little bit more emotional. For me, it’s just go out and have fun and play. Make it into a backyard game. He can make a lot out of nothing when the play breaks down. Take what the defense gives you. Make plays, make a name for yourself and enjoy the ride.”

Holmes did all of those things in 2020. He wasn’t looking to make a name for himself. He just wanted his team to win football games.

“I got out there every game and try to play for the team and try to get the win,” he said. “But when the individual accolades come with it, it’s a great feeling.”

Holmes is the second member of his family to earn a TN Player of the Year honor as his older brother Derek was baseball player of the year in 2018.

“He’s still bigger than me, and I’m still trying to get bigger than him,” Justin Holmes said. “He’s always just helped me out and influenced me a lot.”

While Holmes is pleased with his first season as the Tigers’ starting varsity quarterback, he also knows more could be in store for next year.

Northwestern had a whole new offensive line in 2020. Holmes and the team look forward to bringing some of those players back next fall, and to have a more traditional offseason to prepare.

“I’m going to be a lot more comfortable at that position, and that will make the whole team better,” Holmes said.