A new tradition returns for its second year this Thursday at Powell High School — with Ethan Asher again hosting his Facing the Panthers football game at 5:30 p.m.

The event will pit local sixth graders in a game against the Powell Panthers, who will not be fully suited up in a fun game between the two groups.

Asher was in a car accident in 2019 that ended his playing career, but he recovered with the support of the community that has helped him return to the game and help coach the Panthers.

“The football family of Powell surrounded Ethan and cheered him on in his recovery,” mother Tiffani Asher said. “This is a small way Ethan gets a chance to pay it forward in our community.”

Ethan Asher, Nick Fulton, Juston Carter and Ben McDonald will be coaching the sixth grade team in preparation for the game on Thursday this week.

After the game the players from both teams and their families will share a meal at the field provided by El Tapatio that will be served by family and friends of Ethan. T-shirts available at the event have been printed by Vision West.

— Seth Romsa