Explosive plays and a balanced offensive attack helped propel the Panther football team to a season opening 50-13 victory over Riverton on Friday night at Panther Stadium.

The game started off slow for both teams, with penalties and an injury hampering the first minute of the 2022 season.

Once Powell settled in, it took the Panthers 3:08 to score the opening touchdown of the season, an 8-yard touchdown run by sophomore Cody Seifert gave the Panthers a 7-0 lead early.

“They were so excited to play, it seems like we have done nothing but practice and now they finally got to play against someone,” Panther football coach Chase Kistler said. “I was nervous saying this was a new team to me, filling in so many gaps. I did not know how they were going to respond and I was happy with how they came out and played.”

A kick out of bounds by senior Steven Stambaugh gave Riverton the ball at the 35 to start its first drive.

Powell forced a three and out, and got another boost from Seifert when a strong punt return gave the Panthers a short field.

Despite the short field, Powell was unable to find the end zone, and settled for a 27-yard field goal by Stambaugh to make it 10-0.

Powell continued its early rout of the Wolverines in the second quarter, when junior quarterback Jhett Schwahn and receiver Trey Stenerson connected on a 6-yard touchdown — extending the lead out to 17-0.

On the next drive, Riverton began to work its offense down the field, working down to the 33-yard line where a tough fourth down faced the Wolverines.

After a timeout, Riverton found the end zone on a long pass up the sideline, cutting the lead to 17-7.

Powell was forced into a three and out, and a big return by the Wolverines gave them another opportunity to cut the lead further.

A diving interception by sophomore Evan Whitlock stopped the momentum for the Wolverines, giving Powell another opportunity starting from its own 12-yard line.

Powell then drove down the field, when Schwahn found sophomore Alex Jordan on a 49-yard touchdown to push the lead back to 24-7.

“We have got some guys that can make some plays,” Kistler said. “We had over 275 passing and rushing, and that is going to build some confidence against a very athletic Riverton team.”

Riverton punted on its next drive, followed by a Schwahn interception and another punt to give Powell another opportunity late in the second quarter.

Schwahn was again intercepted on a tipped pass, resulting in a pick-six, cutting the lead to 24-13 after the extra point was blocked.

Powell received the kickoff, and had one more opportunity to score — needing to go 80 yards with just under two minutes left in the first half.

This year’s edition of the Panthers showcased their increased focus on passing in a hurry-up offense, driving down to the 15-yard line — where Schwahn hooked up with Stenerson on a fade route in the corner of the end zone to finish the half with three seconds remaining.

The ensuing extra point was missed, making it a 17-point game at the half.

Riverton received the second half kickoff, and a strong punt following a short drive put the Panthers inside their own 5 yard line to start its first drive.

Two plays and one 92-yard run later, Seifert found the end zone again — pushing the Panther lead further out of reach.

Stambaugh added another field goal, this time from 39 yards out to make it 40-13 in the third quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Stenerson and Schwahn hooked up for touchdown No. 3, finishing off a strong week 0 performance for the Panthers.

One last field goal by Stambaugh in the final minute made it 50, giving the Panthers a 1-0 record to start the season.

Overall for the contest the Panthers finished with seven plays of 20 yards or more, helping propel a balanced offensive attack against the Wolverines.

Schwahn finished with 279 yards through the air on 15-of-25 passing, adding four touchdowns to just two interceptions.

“I think that (performance) puts it in their head that they did not lose much, we are just as good and can be just as good or better than other teams,” Kistler said. “I hope they get it through their heads that they are a talented team.”

Stenerson finished with three touchdown catches on six receptions for 106 yards.

Seifert finished with 159 yards on the ground and two touchdowns to lead the Panthers, who finished with 296 total on the day.

Senior Nathan Feller led a retooled Panther defense, finishing with 10 tackles — including one tackle for loss.

ROAD TEST

Powell now heads on the road for the first time this season, heading to Worland to take on the Warriors on Friday night.

“We have a long way to go,” Kistler said.

He said he is hopeful the team will continue to gain chemistry through increased reps heading into their first road contest, before returning home the week after.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

POWELL 50, RIVERTON 13

Passing — Jhett Schwahn 15-25, 279 yards, 4 touchdowns, 2 interceptions

Rushing — Cody Seifert 11 rushes for 159 yards, Steven Stambaugh 9 rushes for 56 yards, Case Bradish 4 rushes for 55 yards, Lannon Brazelton 5 rushes for 28 yards, Trevon Abraham 3 rushes for 8 yards, Evan Whitlock 1 rush for -2 yards, Jhett Schwahn 6 rushes for -8 yards

Receiving — Trey Stenerson 6 catches for 106 yards and 3 touchdowns, Alex Jordan 2 receptions for 64 yards and 1 touchdown, Case Bradish 3 catches for 52 yards, Trevon Abraham 1 catch for 22 yards, Austin Graft 1 catch for 19 yards, Lannon Brazelton 1 catch for 11 yards, Ethan Melton 1 catch for 5 yards

Sacks — Dillon Melton 2, Doug Bettger 1, Seston Shoopman 1

Interceptions — Evan Whitlock 1