Just two minutes into the Powell High School football team’s 2021 season opener against Riverton on Friday, the Panthers had their backs against the wall. 

Riverton received the opening kickoff and logged three first downs in just five plays. The Wolverines had possession inside the PHS 40-yard line, threatening to score right off the bat.

But the Panthers quickly turned the tables: PHS linebacker Karson Lamb intercepted Riverton’s Nathan Hutchison on a short pass attempt, returning it all the way to the 5-yard line. One play later, senior running back Reed Smith scored Powell’s first touchdown of the season, paving the way for Powell’s 37-7 rout of the Wolverines.

“That was huge and got us that early momentum that we needed,” PHS head coach Chase Kistler said.

After a shaky first few plays on the first drive, the Panthers’ defense hardly gave an inch the rest of the game. Powell held the Wolverines scoreless for three-and-a-half quarters before allowing a touchdown in the final four minutes.

Kistler particularly praised the front seven’s dominant performance, constantly recording sacks and tackles for loss. 

“Physicality — our big guys were just physical,” the coach said. “We’ve gotta sure up some things in the secondary, but our linebackers, line and secondary all have some talented young guys.”

Offensively, Friday was the first start behind center for sophomore Jhett Schwahn. Schwahn completed several passes, including a 30-yard heave to Zach Ratcliff to give PHS a 37-0 lead in the third quarter.

Despite his youth, Kistler praised Schwahn’s decision-making in his debut.

“Not turning the ball over, making the right decisions. Keeping to what our strength is, that’s running the ball,” Kistler said of the QB’s performance. “He hit more receivers in the hands early on that were good passes, but overall, he made great reads.”

Smith, Toran Graham and Sam Whitlock saw the majority of the snaps in the rushing game, each contributing with a handful of big plays. 

“It’s a great combo to have,” Kistler said. “They complement each other. They all looked good.”

Whitlock is No. 2 on the depth chart at quarterback but saw action in a variety of other places on offense on Friday, as well as on defense at free safety. Though not starting behind center, the senior’s leadership and versatility proved valuable in the blowout.

“He’s a tremendous leader,” Kistler said of Whitlock. “He does all of his talking with his play, always plays hard. He’s going to be a vital piece for our offense going forward.”

Now 1-0, Powell plays its first home game next Friday against Worland, hoping to keep the momentum going.

“It gives us confidence as far as how the game’s played,” Kistler said of the Riverton contest. “It gives us that, ‘Yep, we know what to do,’ reminder. That’s why I like that Zero Week game. 

“We’ve got some work to do, which is good,” he said. “That’s why we play this game.”