After a successful season in which it reached the state semifinals, the Powell High School football team had five players named to the Class 3A All-State football team, as well as nine on the 3A West All-Conference team.

The five all-state players were wide receiver Jesse Trotter, defensive lineman Lane Shramek, linebacker Toran Graham, defensive back Riley Bennett and kicker Hawkin Sweeney. Powell’s five selections were tied for third most in 3A.

Trotter finished his senior season as Powell’s leading receiver, posting 282 receiving yards and two touchdown receptions. He averaged 21.7 yards per reception.

“Jesse is one of those playmakers that can be a highlight reel out there,” PHS head coach Chase Kistler said. “He started working really hard last year, things clicked, and it’s really good to see.”

A 6-foot-4 junior, Shramek was a key piece to the Panthers’ stingy defense in 2020. His size and aggression led to opponents constantly double-teaming him, but Shramek was still able to post 31 tackles on the season.

“Him being double-teamed often opened up room for a linebacker to come through the middle,” Kistler said. “I’m excited to see where he goes with his capabilities and height, weight and speed.”

Graham was a key player on both sides, logging the most tackles at middle linebacker (86) while also finishing second on the team in rushing yards. The junior’s leadership stood out to Kistler just as much as his natural football talent.

“He wasn’t a senior, but he was one of our best leaders,” Kistler said. “At middle linebacker, you have to make plays and be physical, and he does that.”

Bennett missed a chunk of his senior season with a leg injury but had an impact on every series he played, notching 34 tackles and an interception. His aggression and persistence will be missed next season.

“Riley was one of our best tacklers and could cover guys,” Kistler said. “He was never afraid of putting his nose in any situation, and he was a senior leader who showed the way football should be played.”

And in special teams, Sweeney was consistent, converting 27 of 28 PATs and both of his two field-goal attempts. A strong kicker can often be overlooked, but Kistler is well aware of how valuable Sweeney was to Powell’s success this year.

“You don’t know how fortunate you are to have a consistent kicker until you don’t have it,” Kistler said. “We were spoiled with Hawkin the last two years, and it took a lot of the stress away.”

Others named to the 3A West All-Conference team included running back Kadden Abraham, offensive lineman Seth Horton, linebacker Adrian Geller and defensive back Zach Ratcliff.

Between the All-State and All-Conference players, Kistler is proud of the team’s representation within a competitive talent pool.

“I’m impressed to see that many players on there,” the coach said. “There were so many great players across the conference and state, so that shows how talented our players were across the board.”