Karns City's Dynamic Duo Scherer and Garing in line to have big seasons for Gremlins
Going into the 2019 season, Kaden Scherer and Luke Garing weren't counted on for a whole lot of productivity.
Entering 2020? Reverse that.
“We're looking for both of those guys to build off what they did last year,” Karns City coach Joe Sherwin said.
Scherer did not play football his sophomore year (2018) and figured to learn on the fly. Garing was a sophomore figuring on learning from the bench.
They turned out to be quick learners.
“I had to be reminded in the huddle what to do half the time,” Scherer said. “I wasn't familiar with the system we were using.”Scherer plays soccer as well as football for the Gremlins.“My sophomore year, I decided to concentrate strictly on soccer,” he said. “When I sat in the stands on Friday nights, I realized how much I wanted to be on that field.“I had to come back.”He was rarely off the field once he did.Scherer was the Gremlins' leading receiver last season, averaging 29 yards per catch on 17 receptions. He led the team with five interceptions and had 61 tackles from his cornerback position.And on special teams, he garnered 737 yards on punt and kickoff returns. Scherer led the team with 1,451 all-purpose yards.“We've been working with our blocking unit on special teams,” Sherwin said. “With Kaden back there, we have a chance for a touchdown on every return.“He made so many big plays last year, but made his share of mistakes while still learning the system. Now he has a full understanding of it and could really be a gamebreaker.”Scherer has no special secret for returning kicks.“Just find the hole and go,” he said.Garing's purpose on defense? Just plug the hole.He was among the Gremlins' leaders with 86 tackles last season — including 39 solo stops — and rushed for 571 yards from his fullback position. He is Karns City's most productive returning ball carrier.“Luke wasn't projected to see much playing time last year,” Sherwin said. “We were hit with a bunch of injuries and he was in there. And he was ready.”As far as Garing is concerned, that's the Karns City way.“It doesn't matter what year in school you are or how much experience you have,” Garing said. “You have to be ready to contribute and do your part.“There were only one or two guys left behind me who could go in and play. I had to do the job.”From a guy who was supposed to be a reserve player, there were games Garing never left the field.Like Scherer, he was a part of the special teams unit.“I like playing on both sides of the ball,” Garing said. “Hitting people is always good and I do think I can be a big part of the running game this year.”Sherwin described Garing as being “very coachable and competitive.“With a full year of experience as a sophomore behind him, there's no telling where he can take his game,” the coach added. “Defensively, Luke knows how to be in the right place to make plays.”The same can be said for Scherer.“Kaden is a ballhawk,” the coach said. “He sees the ball in the air and goes to get it. He's got good instincts and I trust his decisions. I trust his instincts.”He trusts Scherer's and Garing's motivation as well.“I was second team, all-state in returns last year,” Scherer said. “I'd love to get back on that list and make all-conference on offense and defense, too.”“Just win,” Garing said. “All I want to do is win. We all feel that way.”
