Ward earns national award, will be in College Hall of Fame

Mountain Home senior Matt Ward has received a prestigious national football honor.

The Tiger senior who was voted Southern Idaho Conference 4A Defensive Player of the year and First Team All-State defense, has received an award from the National Football Foundation and the College Hall of Fame.

"It's a great honor," said Mountain Home Tigers head football coach Brian Floyd, who announced the award. "He's the second Mountain Home player to get it. Tyson Sessions last year was the first that's ever gotten the award, and just to get that award is really a great thing.

"Matt was a three-year starter for us and he's a great community person and I'm really proud for him, and the best thing of all, he can go to the College Hall of Fame in South Bend, Ind., and see his name up there, and years from now can take his kids there to see it. It's a great thing."

Ward had 162 tackles and four sacks for the Tiger defense this past season, and on offense, rushed the ball for 352 yards (7.18 yards per carry) and three touchdowns. He also caught three passes, one for a touchdown.

Matt, who will graduate from high school on May 30, is the son of Robert and Karen Ward of Mountain Home.