Former Powell Head Football Coach Joins Kelly Walsh Staff

Former Powell head football coach Aaron Papich has landed in Casper as an assistant with Kelly Walsh. Papich was the Panther head coach for 2 seasons as Powell made an incredible run through the 3A playoffs to reach the state championship game before losing to Star Valley. Powell went 7-5 this past season and that's was a remarkable turnaround considering they were 2-7 in 2018.

Papich also guided the Powell program through some trying times as starting quarterback Ethan Asher was seriously injured in an auto accident prior to the season. All things considered, it was a tremendous coaching job as Powell entered the 3A playoffs as a #4 seed and upset #1 seeded Lander on the road 41-14 and then beat arch-rival Cody 20-13.

Papich and current Kelly Walsh head coach Aaron Makelky started their coaching careers together at Bozeman, Montana High School when they were both attending Montana State University. Makelky told WyoPreps, " He is a great man, leader,

and coach. We are very fortunate to have him joining our staff". Papich was also tabbed as the North head coach in this summer's Shrine Bowl but the game was canceled due to coronavirus concerns.