Holden Phillips Makes Big Waves in College Football

WOLFFORTH — As the football season went on, it became hard to ignore Holden Phillips, the Frenship quarterback who was lighting up the field. In his first year as a starter, throwing five passing touchdowns in a single game seemed like a regular occurrence for him. His impressive skills caught the eyes of many, including the coaching staff at Texas Tech.

Originally committed to play college baseball and slated to graduate in May, Phillips’ future took a drastic turn after he piled up an astounding 57 touchdowns in a single season. By late November, Texas Tech reached out, and they were eager for him to join the team in the spring. Phillips had to make a quick decision, but he didn’t hesitate; this was an opportunity he had dreamed about since he was a kid playing in the backyard decked out in scarlet and black.

Phillips’ breakout season not only shifted his career paths, but also earned him the title of big-school football player of the year from the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. He completed 261 of 349 pass attempts for an impressive 4,438 yards, with those numbers marking the best in Frenship history for both completion percentage at 74.8% and touchdowns in one season. His coach, Jay Northcutt, praised Phillips’ incredible field vision and competitive spirit, noting these traits made him a special player.

This was Phillips’ only varsity season where he had significant playing time as a quarterback, as he had previously learned from high school teammates who went on to play at the college level. He made a strong start by throwing for 508 yards and five touchdowns in a close game against a state-ranked team. Phillips recalled feeling nervous before the game, but that quickly faded away.

“The first game for sure gave me the confidence I needed throughout the season,” Phillips said. His turning point came when he put on a show against eventual state finalist Southlake Carroll, throwing for 475 yards and five touchdowns, which fueled college recruitment interest.

When Texas Tech came knocking, Phillips recognized that this was a chance he couldn’t skip, even if it meant leaving behind basketball and baseball. He felt grateful and excited to be part of the college football scene, and he’s adjusting well to the new responsibilities that come with it. His teammate Leyton Stone is also on campus as an early enrollee, making for a smoother transition.

Reflecting on his high school experience, Phillips recalled the rich tradition of Friday night football in Texas. “There’s nothing better than it,” he said, recalling the thrill of playing against great schools under the iconic Friday night lights. The memories and experiences he gained during his senior year will stay with him as he embarks on this new chapter in his football career.