The first boys’ college sports signee of the Powell High School class of 2024 made it official on Monday afternoon, with Jhett Schwahn signing to continue his football career at Rocky Mountain College in Billings.

“They were one of the first schools to really offer me. Just meeting with some coaches and players up there it seemed like a good fit,” Schwahn said. “A really tight, close-knit kind of program, it was the right time.”

Schwahn has been the Panthers’ starting varsity quarterback for three years, showing steady improvement since his sophomore year including an offensive outburst this past season.

In his first year at the helm Schwahn had 1,177 yards passing along with seven touchdowns and six interceptions with what would be his best completion percentage of his career at 57.1%.

His junior year showed improvement in several areas, growing to 1,612 yards and 14 touchdowns, but his interceptions increased to 14 along with a completion percentage of 50.4%.

That year he showed flashes as a runner, finishing with 123 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.

Last fall he finished with 2,032 passing yards, increased his passing touchdowns to 24 while reducing his interceptions to nine. His completion percentage increased back to 54.9%, as he became a more dangerous rushing option, finishing with 456 yards and 11 touchdowns.

“It’s been incredible. The support that Powell football has had throughout my whole life has been incredible,” Schwahn said. “I couldn’t have done it without my teammates — love those guys.”

He was named to the 3A All-State team while also being named to the Casper Star Tribune Super 25 in December.

Schwahn also served in other roles for the Panthers as a kicking specialist and safety, but he said he always wanted to be a quarterback.

“I talked with some other schools about maybe switching to other positions,” Schwahn said. “I’ve played quarterback my whole life and I felt most comfortable there. When they said they wanted me to play there that was a big factor.”

Another factor that Schwahn said played into his decision was the proximity to Powell, allowing for family and friends to make the short trip up to Billings to watch games in the fall.

Schwahn is a multi-sport athlete, playing basketball as well as serving as an All-State catcher for the state champion Powell Pioneers, but decided to jump at the chance to play quarterback for the Battlin’ Bears.

“Baseball was definitely in consideration, but like I said this opportunity was too good to pass up,” Schwahn said.

Rocky Mountain finished 6-4 this past season while competing in the Frontier Conference at the NAIA level.

Schwahn said he is looking to pursue a career in the health science field as he heads to college.