The Panther football team will finish its Cinderella story with a re-telling of David and Goliath Friday in Laramie. Starting at 3 p.m., Powell will face off against Star Valley, the defending 3A state champs. The first meeting between the two squads this season was a lopsided affair — a 36-0 win by Star Valley — but that was a different Powell team.

And this time around against the Braves, they may have an old friend in their corner: Senior captain Ethan Asher, severely injured in an accident prior to the start of the season, has been cleared by his doctors to attend the game. The Panthers dedicated the season to Asher, and having him at the game will make the experience that much more special.

“They’ve shared this goal with Ethan Asher for years,” Powell High School head coach Aaron Papich said of his team. “Ethan and the seniors and the team have been talking for a long time about this weekend. For us to get to this point is incredible — the team has rallied around Ethan all season, and has worked hard because they know Ethan is working hard. That and the brotherhood it’s created has really been the cornerstone of this team this season.”

Following the Panthers’ 20-13 upset of the Cody Broncs on Friday night, Papich said he couldn’t be prouder of his players.

“Just to see them elated and having fun and enjoying this experience, it’s the best thing I could ever witness and be a part of as a coach,” he said. “It’s great to be a small part of this.”