Body Zone Physical Therapy Defensive Player of the Week: Kowen Gerner

By Mike Drago Last updated Oct 3, 2024

Schuylkill Valley's Kowen Gerner makes a touchdown-saving tackle on BC's Bryce Gumby. (PhilMarPhoto)

Schuylkill Valley came up with a bunch of critical defensive plays in holding off Berks Catholic 20-14 last week: A Pick-Six, a couple of fumble recoveries, and a goal-line stand that turned back the Saints four times inside the 10.

The biggest came early in the fourth quarter, with the Panthers clinging to a seven-point lead. Saints running back Bryce Gumby, who a week earlier scored four touchdowns in a record-breaking performance, bolted through the line of scrimmage and had nothing but green turf in front of him.

Panthers linebacker Kowen Gerner swooped in and grabbed Gumby around the ankles, likely preventing a game-tying touchdown.

That was “pretty close” allowed Panthers coach Bruce Harbach, who saw his defense withstand 71 plays but not give up any big ones.

Gerner was in on a bunch of smaller plays, too: He collected 21 tackles, including three for loss, and recovered a pair of fumbles to earn Body Zone Physical Therapy Defensive Player of the Week for the first time.

“He set the tone,” Harbach said. “That was the most physical defensive game I’ve seen from him.”

Gerner came up fast and hard on the Saints’ first play of the night and never relented.

Kowen Gerner, right, on the sidelines with Logan Nawrocki. (PhilMarPhoto)

The 6-2, 190-pound senior is known more for his offensive exploits. He had 45 catches for 1,052 yards and set a program record with 12 touchdown catches last season, earning all-league first team honors.

He put those receiving skills on display in Friday when he broke open deep and hauled in 68-yard touchdown that snapped a tie with 47 seconds left.

The same skills that make Gerner so tough to stop as a receiver – his speed, explosion, leaping ability, and tenaciousness – make him a good linebacker, as well.

He’s second on the team with seven tackles for loss, second with 18 solo tackles, and fourth overall with 58 tackles. He leads the team with three fumble recoveries.

“He’s become more physical (on defense this season),” Harbach said. “He’s really taken pride in defense this year. All those guys do; they’re taking pride in defense.”

Gerner covered a fumble late in the first quarter, after the Saints had crossed into Schuylkill Valley territory. He picked up another loose ball inside the 40 after Gumby’s 11-yard run with 7 ½ minutes left.

Gerner leads Schuylkill Valley with six touchdowns, one on a fumble return, five on receptions. He is averaging 17 yards on his 21 receptions.

Gerner is the second from Schuylkill Valley to earn Player of the Week honors this season. Linebacker Logan Cammauf was picked for the award two weeks ago.

Players considered for Body Zone Physical Therapy Defensive Player of the Week honors are nominated by their coaches or by members of the MikeDragoSports.com coverage team.

This is the fourth consecutive year that Body Zone Physical Therapy is sponsoring the Defensive Player of the Week. At the end of the season a Defensive Player of the Year will be named.