Twelve Days of Panther Football Record Holders: Nate Kehs

On the eighth day of recognizing Panther football record holders, Saucon Source wants to highlight senior Nate “Big Cat” Kehs.

Nate wore #32 while playing running back and outside linebacker for the Panthers. He was listed at 5’9″, 190 in the Saucon Valley program. Nate’s time this season was shortened due to a nasty ankle injury suffered in Week 3. He did not return until Week 9 when he saw limited, but productive, action against Notre Dame. Offensively, this season Nate had 78 touches for 557 yards averaging over 7 yards per carry. Defensively, the “Big Cat” had 25 tackles and 23 assists. He is also credited with 2.5 sacks in 2016.

Even though Nate missed half of the 2016 season, he still found his way into the Saucon Valley football record books on the defensive side of the ball. “Big Cat” had 4.5 career sacks (2013-2016) which earns him the ninth spot. Nate also had 93 tackle assists in his career, which is good for fourth overall. Finally, in 2015, Nate gathered 56 tackle assists which is good for second overall for a season’s work.

Who’s #1 for career sacks? Mike Kane (2012-2015) had 12 career sacks.

Who’s #1 for tackle assists in a career? Christian Carvis (2012-2015) had 129 career assists.

Who’s #1 for tackle assists in a season? Christian Carvis (2015) had 82 assists in a season.

Nate said it: “My best Saucon Valley football memory is when I went in for one play at linebacker my sophomore year against Bangor. A fumble bounced right into my hands and I took it to the house.”

Coach Phil Sams said it: “No one brought more energy to our football team than Nate Kehs. When we lost him to injury in the Palmerton game, we lost an instrumental piece. What is even more impressive about Nate is how he came back to play in the Notre Dame game after many people thought he was lost for the season. If he would have played the whole season he would have easily been 1st Team All-League as a running back and outside linebacker.”

Congratulations, Nate, and best wishes in the future. The Source is with you!