Karns City senior Nathan Waltman was named the District 9 South Big School Defensive MVP.

KARNS CITY — Nathan Waltman's high school football career has received a nice parting gift.

Karns City's senior middle linebacker has been named District 9 South Big School Defensive MVP.

“He's very deserving of that award,” Karns City football coach Joe Sherwin said. “Nathan was a true leader for us.

“He made all of our defensive calls. He was right in the middle of everything.”

Sherwin was named the district's South Big School Coach of the Year. Karns City finished 6-3, including a pair of playoff wins over Central Clarion and Brookville, the latter resulting in a district championship.

Central Clarion and Brookville both defeated the Gremlins during the regular season. Brookville was undefeated when it lost to KC in postseason play.

“That's a team thing,” Sherwin said of the Coach of the Year honor. “The assistant coaches, players, everybody had a hand in that.

“We simplified things offensively and defensively down the stretch. We just concentrated on execution. Our offensive line opened up the running game and our defensive line controlled the line of scrimmage.”

The 6-foot-5, 240-pound Waltman was a three-year starter for the Gremlins. Playing middle linebacker this year, he accumulated 81 tackles — including 29 solo and 14 tackles for loss — while forcing a pair of fumbles and getting 1.5 quarterback sacks.

“The best part of my game defensively was knowing what the other team was trying to do to us and making the proper adjustments,” Waltman said. “You have to recognize where the blocks are coming from.”

Waltman is receiving some college looks on both sides of the ball. He pulled in eight passes as the Gremlins' tight end this year.

“I'm looking to play tight end in college,” he said. “I'm considering five or six schools so far and I expect I'll hear from a few more.”

He may have to wait on scholarship money, however.

“You never know how things may work out, but Nathan may have to wait until his sophomore year for scholarship money to open up, given the (COVID-19) situation,” Sherwin said.

Scholarship budgets will be limited at many schools next year as many seniors are returning next fall to take advantage of e NCAA's granting of an extra year of eligibility.

While Waltman plans to play college football, he appreciates the way his final high school season worked out.

“Getting that award is a nice honor,” he said. “I was just happy we were able to turn around those two losses (in the playoffs). We came together as a team and that was fun.”

Waltman was named All-District 9 Big School South as a linebacker and tight end. Numerous other Gremlins made the team as well.

Aaron Taylor (offensive line), Kaden Scherer (wide receiver) and Luke Garing (fullback) made the team on offense. Owen Collwell made it as place-kicker.

Mason McNany made the squad as a defensive lineman.

Moniteau representatives on the Big School South team are offensive lineman Isaiah Usselman, fullback Chaz McGuire and linebacker Mason Mershimer.

Karns City running back Cole Coon made honorable mention.