WEST PALM BEACH – Restore Palm Beach Lakes.
It is the current motto for the Rams, who are led by second-year head coach, alum, and Belle Glade native Turmarian Moreland. After a 4-6 campaign in Year 1, the Muckstepper is planning for a winning season in Year 2.
A big reason for this expectation and possibility is because of the presence and leadership of 2025 running back Christopher Holmes.
Moreland shared his thoughts on what Holmes means to the Palm Beach Lakes program.
“Holmes had over 800 yards rushing, 15+ touchdowns, and one kickoff return for a touchdown,” Moreland said. “We just left UCF camp two weeks ago. Holmes clocked a 4.43 in the 40. He is a big-time weapon that can score at many positions on the field.”
Palm Beach Lakes quarterback Quentin Williams (2026) added his own commentary on Holmes.
“Chris is a hard worker on the field and off the field,” Williams said. “On the field, Chris is an athlete. Nine times outta ten, Chris is going to be open. Off the field, Chris is always in the weight room or he still might be on the field, putting in extra work.”
Holmes reflected on this past season with Palm Beach Lakes.
“My junior football season at Lakes was amazing,” the 5-foot-9, 165-pound running back said. “I showed the full potential on how a player and his team can turn a school’s record around from losing in the past years. I feel like I am a very underrated running back in South Florida. The head coach – Coach TMO – came to Lakes and restored the football team, and he has made me the best player I can be.”
Holmes expounded what the “Restore Lakes” motto means to him.
“We use the Restore Lakes motto because Lakes has had a couple of rough years,” Holmes said. “So when we got a new head coach, he turned Lakes around. What it means to me is making a difference when it comes to football and getting Lakes on a winning streak, showing that Lakes isn’t a losing team as the media says.”
For the offseason, Holmes has been hard at work in making sure he gets better at his craft.
“The offseason been going great for me,” Holmes said. “Coach TMO has been having us in the weight room all summer and on track so that I can get faster. During the offseason, coaches from colleges were coming to Lakes to see me and to see what my character is about. When I went to the camps, I ran my 40-yard dash. My time was 4.43. I was the fastest out of everyone from our school that went.”
Holmes delved deeper into how the offseason is going for him.
“I’m looking forward in these next 3-5 weeks,” Holmes said. “I will be getting ready for my last season with the Rams. I’m working on my potential as a player to be great and to help put Lakes on the map for real this time. It’s grind season for this next month coming up. Nothing but hard work and dedication. I’m working on more than just getting bigger and faster. I’m working on my skill ethic to leave a future behind for other young boys at Lakes after me.”
Holmes wrapped it all up by sharing his own aspirations for the upcoming fall season at Palm Beach Lakes.
“My first individual goal is to get at least a Division 1 offer to a good school,” Holmes said. “I have a lot of faith within myself, but if I don’t get Division 1, I will open up my eyes to more options. My other goal is to at least get past my self record, which is three touchdowns. I will love to make more than three. My team goals for my last season is to make it to the playoffs, to push them to their limits so that we are able to make it to more than just the playoffs. My last goal for my team is to win more games than we won last year and to show West Palm Beach who Lakes really is.”
PHOTO CREDITS: Darneil Adams
Muck City Media Enterprises 
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