Palmer duo to continue football careers at college level

Nolan Garner and Reed Craner have spent the last four years helping the Palmer football program return to state prominence. Now the duo have the opportunity to take the next step in their football careers together.

The Moose senior standouts each signed their National Letter of Intent to attend Dickinson State University in Dickinson, North Dakota, and play for the NAIA Blue Hawks program, while surrounded by friends and family during a ceremony in the Palmer High School library earlier this year.

“That was not the plan. It kind of just happened that way, the recruiting process and who recruited us,” Garner said.

Both feel fortunate it worked out this way, they said, and each are looking forward to continuing their careers together.

“Going with Nolan's gonna be amazing. We're gonna have a quarterback that actually knows me and knows the way I play, and he knows the way a receiver plays,” Craner said. “It's gonna be a lot of fun.”

Garner is a 6-foot-4, 210-pound quarterback. Craner is a 5-10 wide receiver. Each enjoyed a tremendous senior season, helping lead the Moose to the ASAA Division II semifinals. Garner was named the Division II Co-Player of the Year. As a senior, Garner broke the program’s single-season passing record, which stood for nearly 40 years. Garner threw for 1,527 yards, topping the prior mark of 1,444 yards set by Alfred Starr in 1986. Garner also threw for 22 touchdowns, with only four interceptions.

Craner, also earned a top award. The all-around standout was named the Division II Dynamic Player of the Year. Craner stood out in all three phases of the game as a wide receiver, defensive back and kick returner.

On offense, Craner finished with 30 catches for 515 yards and six touchdowns. It stands as one of the best seasons for a Moose receiver in school history.

Craner was also named first-team all-state at wide receiver and defensive back, and second-team return specialist.

“I think it’s going to be good. I think they’re both going to do really well,” Palmer head coach Tim Popowski said. “They’ve grown up together the last four years.”

Garner, a three-year starter for the Moose, said there are five or six guys at the position at Dickinson, but it’s a young quarterback room. He said he should have an opportunity to compete for a role.

Craner said he should also be in a good position to find his role on the team as a slot receiver.

“I’ll be able to run, block, do short routes. Whatever they need me to do,” Craner said.

Popowski said both athletes have a great upside at the next level. Garner, Popowski said, can continue to build on what could be argued as one of the best overall careers from a quarterback in Palmer High history.

“I think he has a lot of room to grow,” Popowski said. “He’s got so much more to give.”

Popowski said Craner can keep building on his skill set.

“His route running is amazing and his hands are unbelievable,” Popowski said. “He’s going to turn some heads.”

Contact Frontiersman managing editor Jeremiah Bartz at editor@frontiersman.com.