Pelham senior running back and wide receiver Wes Holland has the respect of the entire Panthers football team.

The 195-pound back hopes he can come through for his squad this year and lead PHS back to the playoffs.

He has his sights set on some big numbers along the way.

“I want to get total yards up in the 2,000s,” Holland said. “I’d also like to be player of the year.”

Holland helped lead the Panthers to the AHSAA Class 5A playoffs last season, but he isn’t satisfied with simply showing up.

“Above all I want to win state,” he said. “What I want the most is to help win state for all of us.”

Holland isn’t shying away from the fact that Pelham faces a tough schedule this season in their bid to return to the postseason.

“We have a lot of big games this year, including Tuscaloosa County. We lost to them in the playoffs and want to get that one back.”

Holland is also looking forward to his football career after high school, with the likes of UAB, N.C. State and Samford taking interest in him.

Currently, Holland only has one thing on his mind.

“I’m excited to play this season and looking forward to going a long way.