Five members of the Powell High School football team have been honored for their contributions to the Panthers’ recent season.

The team’s end-of-season awards recognized the Most Valuable Special Teams player, Lee Blocking Award, Most Improved, Most Inspirational, Most Valuable Defensive player, Most Valuable Offensive player and Most Valuable Teammate. All the awards were voted on by the players’ peers.

Most Valuable Special Teams — Josh Wolfe

Head coach Chanler Buck said Wolfe “had an outstanding senior year. He was always a threat to make something big happen when he was in possession of the football. Whether he was fielding a punt or kick return, or punting the ball himself, his abilities allowed for positive things to develop on special teams.”

 Lee Blocking Award and Most Valuable Defensive — Max Gallagher

“[Gallagher] has been a four year starter for us at defensive tackle,” Buck said. “He has been a standout defensive player for several years in the 3A. His selfless personality and value of play provided us the option to utilize him at multiple positions on the offensive line. He has worked very hard to develop his footwork and knowledge of the game, making him a very valuable two-way player for us these past three seasons.”

 Most Improved — Randal Watson

“[Watson] came into our program this August, never having played the game,” Buck said. “Aside from his will to learn various positions on the field, [Watson] has put in the additional time, study and physical work to earn a starting position on the defensive line this year. His play was founded on effort. [Watson] set a fine example for all of our players, providing what it takes to achieve lofty, personal goals and strive to become better each day he stepped on the field.”

Most Inspirational — Trent Desjarlais

“[Desjarlais] was with us for one year, as a senior. However, his emotional impact and physical effort generated a lot of value, raising the bar of expectation for his fellow seniors and those underneath him,” Buck said.

“I was very impressed by his optimism and work ethic.”

Most Valuable Offensive and Most Valuable Teammate — A.J. Lewis

“Lewis is a poster child for what we ask of our student athletes at Powell High School,” Buck said. “He was voted as both the MVP Offensive Player, as well as the Most Valuable Teammate. His work ethic has transformed his body as a player over the past four years. His knowledge of the game has grown tremendously, allowing him to develop into a two-way starter and asset on special teams. Most importantly, [Lewis’s] integrity and love for his teammates have enriched the locker room, practice field and anything else associated with Panther Football.”