Seniors Participate in the Annual PowderPuff Game by Lauren Pukki
An annual tradition of many high schools is the Powderpuff flag football game which got its name from the cosmetic powder women use on their faces. It represents a time honored tradition of breaking gender roles and to celebrate breaking barriers in women's sports. On October 25th thesSeniors took the field with Tia Chenard-McKercher and Kenzie Gooch at quarterback with Seanna Bakke-Townes at running back. The game got off to a slow start but began to pick up in the second half with a touchdown by senior player, Lauren Mallinger, to put the first six points of the game on the board, “I felt very confident and excited to celebrate with the rest of the team,” Mallenger said to her excitement of her touchdown for the seniors.
The juniors repaid the favor by scoring a passing touchdown of their own to tie the game with the clock ticking slowly desperate for the stalemate to end. Even in the senior teams best effort the stalemate remained unchanged by the end of regulation time. To try to break the tie both teams were given one chance to score. The juniors up and seniors on the defensive desperate to bring home a win managed to stop the juniors advances.
Now, seniors with the chance to score challenging the juniors defense with a run play and score what should have been the deciding touchdown to the seniors shock the referees rule the deciding touchdown didn’t count, “I think it was a very fun competitive game and the touchdown the seniors got at the very end should’ve counted,” senior quarterback, Chenard-McKercher, said to her frustration of the lost points. The seniors, shocked and disappointed at the tie, looked back on the fun they had during the game. “My favorite moment from the powderpuff game was being able to catch up to a player to grab a flag to stop a touchdown,” Salem DeBerry commented about her performance during the game. Powderpuff is not about the score at the end of the game but the players that make it happen and the attitude we put into it.
PowderPuff Juniors Take to the Field By Ansleigh Friday
For everyone who had participated, powderpuff had looked a little different this year compared to previous years. However, since it was the juniors first year being able to participate, they hadn’t known anything different. The game had taken place during an extended seventh period rather than after school, which caused attendance to be at an all time high compared to previous powderpuff games.
The past year’s powderpuff game had been part of the reason junior, Emily King, decided to participate. “I wanted to participate because I’ve been to past powderpuff games and I saw how much fun all the girls had, so I really wanted to be a part of it,” explained King. On the other hand, students such as junior, Jada Smith, decided to take part in the event because of past experiences. “I decided to participate because it sounded super fun. I used to play flag football when I was younger so it kinda gave me some nostalgia,” stated Smith.
Participating in the powderpuff game was something that a majority of the players were glad that they had done because of the memories it left them with. For Smith, the good memories started with the practices. “The guys that coached us were very informative and helpful about where and what to do. It was a chill environment and when the music played you could tell everyone got relaxed and was having fun,” she stated. And for King, it was a very similar situation. “My favorite part was actually learning how to play flag football. I don’t watch it so it’s cool that now I’ll be able to understand what’s happening in the games at school,” stated King.
In conclusion, being a part of powderpuff during their junior year was an experience that the girls would not forget, and left a lasting impact. “I would 100% do it again next year. I had a lot of fun and if we have the same coaches it’s gonna be super good,” explained Smith. Overall, the junior girls were grateful for the opportunity to play, and excited for the chance to play again next year.
PowderPuff Coaches Gear Up for the Match by Antonio Rivera
In the lead-up to the highly anticipated Powderpuff game, senior coach, Malachi Reed, shared insights on his team’s preparation, strategy, and reactions. The seniors managed to fit in five practices before the big game, though Malachi described the early practices as “chaotic.” With a team that had never played together, the initial sessions were focused on establishing roles and figuring out how to communicate. “As time went on, we started to get everything more organized and effective,” he shared, hinting at the confidence that grew as the game day approached.
Going into the game, Malachi’s mindset was clear, he believed wholeheartedly in his team’s victory over the juniors. “My thoughts were always that we were going to beat the juniors,” he said, demonstrating the confidence the seniors had built over their practices. Throughout the game, this belief was unwavering as the seniors pushed themselves, relying on their teamwork from practices to show the juniors they were serious competitors. His competitive spirit was contagious, boosting the team’s morale on the field.
However, the outcome didn’t quite match Malachi’s expectations. The game ended in a 7-7 tie, with a last-minute touchdown from the juniors sparking debate among the seniors over whether it should have been counted. “Absolutely not, but what else can you do?” Malachi said, acknowledging his disappointment. His biggest takeaway was that the seniors needed to “run away with the game earlier on” to prevent any last-minute calls from determining the final score. Despite the tie, the event ended on a high note as students filed out of the field just before the end of seventh period.
Reflecting on the experience, Malachi emphasized the best part of coaching: celebrating the touchdown with his team. He cherished the unity and excitement that came from scoring, saying that moment highlighted the teamwork and camaraderie they had developed. Though the score didn’t deliver the decisive victory he’d hoped for, the game still held lasting memories for both Malachi and his players.
Marching Band Performs at the Game by Chloe Strong
The powderpuff game had received an exciting last minute addition to the game. The band came out to elevate the energy of the crowd playing upbeat music. They were also able to give the juniors and seniors a thrill out on the field. Although the unexpected appearance was super exhilarating , the band was slightly unprepared for playing during a hot school day rather than a cool Friday night game. One of the band players, sophomore, Tiffany Cook, is a flute player. Cook said, “ I like Friday Nights so much better because I feel like it's more hyped up and because there isn't much heat.” Playing in the middle of day proved more difficult than a typical Friday night performance.
Despite the exhausting heat, members still found the powderpuff game performance enjoyable . Sophomore, Kaylee Webb, shared her positive experience, Webb said, “I enjoyed it, it was really nice to be with the band and play together for the powderpuff game.” Even though the unexpected midday heat presented a challenge, the band members appreciated the opportunity to perform surrounded by their friends doing what they love while also supporting the players.
The students who filled the stands loved the band's performance. Sophomore, Amin Satdanov, felt the band transformed the atmosphere of the Powderpuff game. Their energetic music was similar to a Friday night game making the crowd enthusiastic. Satdanov said, “they brought the energy up with the music and it made it feel more like a Friday night football game.” The music filled the air making it feel like an ordinary Friday night under the stadium lights. This contribution did not go unnoticed and enhanced the overall experience, making the powderpuff game feel like a true sporting spectacle.
While the band's last minute appearance surprised some it didn't faze sophomore, Serenity Snowden. She had anticipated for the band to be there and did not disappoint. Snowden said “ I'm not surprised at the band's last minute appearance because they are always around and doing so much stuff to show the school pride”. She was confident in their dedication to school spirit due to how consistent the band's support is. Further highlighting their commitment to the school community.
Fans Gather Up and Mr. Weston Parker Performs the National Anthem by Naomi Sweeney-Feldman
As the 7th-period bell rang the exciting chatter the hallways began to see the Powderpuff game. Powderpuff is a once-a-year game in which the juniors and seniors compete to see which team is the best at flag football. The seniors dressed in bright pink head-to-toe while the other side of the field is covered with baby blue juniors, both sides waiting for that whistle to blow.
Though the players weren't the only ones having a good time, fans filled the stadium, cheering and raising their signs. Cheering on the juniors, Nicholas Belinchak, a spirted junior, one of his signs reading “We Want a Touchdown” and another “ Defense Juniors.” His sign popping up and cheering with excitement every time a point was made for the juniors. As the game came to an end, Belinchak’s signs were always high up in the air. “I was a bit upset because it was a tie and the juniors didn't win” said Belinchak. Though it was a tie, no matter the score, the roar of the fans and the excitement of the players was all that mattered.
The cheerleaders weren't the only exciting and thrilling performers at the game. Mr. Parker, an English teacher, decided to play the national anthem on his electric guitar. “ Obviously, it's nerve-racking to perform the Star-Spangled banner, because it's a song that Americans know well. If you screw it up, everyone's going to know and possibly be upset,” said Parker. Parker was anxious to play this song to everyone in the stands but he was so thrilled to be offered to play such a known song to everyone and our country. Though it was something new and such an intense performance Parker said, “it was a wonderful experience to play the Star-Spangled Banner for Mel-high and one I'll never forget!” The thrill of the game ended with a tie concluding this year's Powderpuff game. Win, lose or, in this case, tie, the Powderpuff game was one of the most fun sports events of the year. The roar of the fans and the adrenaline of the game will always be an exciting rush of a memory to look back on.
Cheerleaders Pump Up the Crowds at PowerPuff By Kayleen Velaquez
This year's powderpuff game was a showdown. The most noticeable aspect is the switching of gender roles. The girls brought their best efforts on the field. Dressed in their brightest colors, the boys stepped up as enthusiastic cheerleaders. From creative cheers to hilarious stunts, they kept the crowd alive and energetic. It was a game filled with all kinds of emotion, but in the end teamwork and pride is what brought everyone together.
Senior, Santos Padilla, was one of the cheerleaders, bringing laughter and energy for the team. “The most challenging part was remembering the cheers, but everyone played their part,” said Padilla. He enjoyed being out there and assisting the school with unfunded sports. “We supported the girls by cheering and making sure they were having fun,” said Padilla. It took everyone to put an effort for the powderpuff game to run smoothly.
Senior, Luke Lemons, enjoyed cheering on the girls and trying something new. “It was fun to do something kind of goofy and different,” said Lemons. What was great about their routines was that they didn’t take it so seriously, or let themselves down for not being perfect. The cheerleaders took pleasure in getting out of their comfort zone, savoring every moment.
The cheerleaders weren’t specifically cheering for either team, they were rooting for both the junior and senior players. ”It was fun and I had no problem with it. I was supporting a good cause, I felt excitement and happiness,” said Padilla. The overall experience with the powderpuff game was filled with athleticism and cooperation. They guys led the crowd with stunts, chants, and school spirit. It allowed everyone to have a good time, either on the field or in the stands.