Reviving tradition: PHC girls organize a powder-puff game

PHC girls realized they couldn’t let the guys have all the fun and decided to restart an old PHC tradition of powder-puff games (women's flag football) a couple of years ago. This spring, Senior Hope Poteat and Freshman Annika Wirkkala brought the tradition back again. "We just had so much fun last time," Hope said.

Hope approached Annika about captaining an opposing team. "I looked for someone else to be a captain who would help carry on the tradition," Hope said.

Though appreciative,  Annika was a bit hesitant at first, having never played powder-puff before. However, she eventually agreed and the two got to planning.

After sending out a signup email, the two captains began the draft. This year, they focused on making the teams as balanced as possible to create the most competitive game.

Considering both skill level and class standing, Hope said, “We tried to choose people who were equivalent.” Annika added, “We tried to make it as even as possible.”

Each team practiced at least once a week on the few weekends leading up to the game. They ran routes, practiced flag pulling, and talked strategy. To help with coaching, Hope asked senior C.J. Lowe and Junior Isaac Bedrosian to act as coaches. Annika asked Senior Landon Allmond and Sophomore Isaac Cullum to coach her team.

As they watched each other practice, they knew this game was going to be hard fought, but by game day, Hope said of her team, “Everyone felt prepared and confident.”

With both teams warmed up and ready to go, the game was held on the frisbee field on April 13^th. With no line, each team consisted of seven players: the center, quarterback, and running back, along with two corners and two safeties. The game went back and forth, with each team getting good numbers on offense and putting up a good defense. The sidelines were enthusiastic, with a group of students organizing cheers.

“We are trying to be competitive, we want to win, but it's hard not to have a good time when you have guys on the sidelines cheering with pompons,” Annika explained, “It was so much fun to have this experience, not just with the girls on my team, but also with the girls on the other team.”

In the end, Hope's team (Blue) pulled away with the victory with a final score of 38-20.

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