Side by side on the football field. Shoulder to shoulder on the track. And now, officially, teammates at the next level.
Best friends Ethan Stone and Sam Powell made it official Thursday afternoon, signing their National Letters of Intent to continue both their academic and athletic careers at Culver-Stockton College in Missouri. The duo will compete in both football and track, extending a partnership that has defined their time at Zephyrhills High School.
“It’s come really full circle,” Stone said. “I came in this year thinking, I’m not going to go anywhere. I’m just going to go straight into life, go get a job and just do it. And then this comes up and I just, took this opportunity. Literally, I took this opportunity and ran with it and to do this with my best friend is perfect.”
That push helped fuel one of the most memorable seasons in school history. Stone and Powell were key contributors on Zephyrhills’ undefeated football team, a group that set the tone with toughness, speed and a refusal to back down. Whether it was big plays under the Friday night lights or grinding through summer workouts, the pair was at the center of it all.
But their impact didn’t stop when football season ended.
Both athletes were also standout performers on the Bulldogs’ highly successful track squad, bringing the same competitive fire to the spring season. From explosive sprints to field events, their versatility made them valuable assets — and constant motivators for teammates.
“I don’t know how to express my emotions, man,” Powell said. “It makes my entire world to be able to sign right next to my best friend, be able to hang out with him for the next four years of my life and top of it the fact that our entire football season is what made us.
“So, I’m beyond excited to be able to go to the next level for football along with track. We’re Bulldog built.”
College coaches took notice of their multi-sport success and athletic upside. At Culver-Stockton, they’ll have the opportunity to contribute on the gridiron while also competing in track and field — a demanding but exciting challenge they’re eager to embrace.
Thursday’s signing ceremony was filled with family, coaches and teammates — many of whom have watched their journey from youth leagues to high school standouts. For Zephyrhills, it was another proud moment showcasing the strength of its athletic programs.
For Stone and Powell, it was something even more meaningful.
They started as teammates. They became brothers. And now, they’re headed to Missouri together — ready to chase bigger goals, still side by side.