On the evening of September 25th, the yearly powderpuff games were held. The sophomores played against the juniors, and then the winners played the seniors. The juniors won the first game and therefore competed against the seniors in the second game.
“Being so close in the score and not knowing if we’re going to win or lose, that was pretty stressful,” said Autumn Carlson, senior.
At the end of the fourth quarter, the score was tied at 6 points with each side scoring one touchdown. Powderpuff games don’t usually go into overtime, but the girls pleaded to Athletic Director Mr. Augie Toldo to allow the teams to play to a victory. The seniors had a chance to score several times in overtime, but the plays were called back due to one of the players, DeNiya Gary’s, flag coming loose. The juniors ended up scoring a last second touchdown and won, and the seniors took a loss at their final powderpuff.
“The hardest thing for us was definitely because we lost,” said Lily Jarret, senior. “I also think it’s hard to balance everyone getting to play but then also wanting to win.”
There were 17 girls that were a part of the powderpuff team, but about 12 main girls that played.
“It’s a little scary when you’re facing the other team and you don’t think you can do it but you can do it,” said Carlson.
The senior group had a wide diversity in experience. Some girls only play for powderpuff, some play flag football during the season, and some have never played at all.
“If you’ve never even watched it or know nothing about it there’s so many rules,” said Carlson.
“It made me realize it’s more complex than I thought, but I think as long as you have good coaches, it’s really fun and not hard.” said Jarrett.
Not only did the senior girls participate in this, but they were joined by some senior guys to help with coaching the team.
“I think a lot of the players were able to catch on pretty quickly,” said Colin Brinkmann, senior. “I dont think it’s hard to grasp.”
“Having the boys incorporated in it makes it really fun,” said Jarrett.
During halftime, a mixed group of senior and junior boys preformed a dance routine to take the role of cheerleaders. Other than the loss, powderpuff created some very memorable moments for the seniors.
“I would say my favorite part of powderpuff is getting the experience of playing football which is such a good high school experience for the guys and it’s kind of a way for the girls to feel that same experience,” said Jarrett. “Just being with your whole class and having a goal to win is just fun.”
Powderpuff is loved by many and the girls who partake in it really encourage any underclassmen to participate in it.
“Just do it,” said Carlson, “If you don’t know anything about football, it doesn’t matter. You’ll learn and it’ll be fun, do not be scared.”
The final score was juniors 16, seniors 8.
“I honestly think everyone needs to just try it out,” said Jarrett, “It’s honestly my favorite high school experience, it’s just so fun and it makes your whole class come together and you meet a lot of new friends.”
