Powderpuff Football Returns and Is a Big Hit

Sydney Potter page editor

For over a decade, the girls of Sheldon High School have not been allowed by the school to participate in an official game of Powderpuff football. This has caused a commotion with the upperclassmen girls because of the unfair connotation between girls and football. It has been prevented out of fear of injury, but this year, Athletic Director Ricky Rodriguez gave the green light for the students to put together a student-run flag football game.

In a thrilling display of athleticism and teamwork, the highly-awaited Powderpuff game between the junior and the senior girls left everyone on the edge of their seats until the very last play. The intense matchup held on Friday evening on the football field, showcased the previously-unseen football skills of many talented female athletes and demonstrated the growing popularity of flag football as an annual Sheldon tradition. All of the girls who participated showed out at practices just as much as the real game. Practices were packed with these dedicated young women to improve their skills, coached by Sheldon’s very own football players. “I didn’t really think we were going to do much at the practices, but the guys actually had a good plan and I actually feel like I improved some of my skills,” senior Mia Steinbaugh said. With this being one of the last school-orchestrated events for the seniors, they all participated and took advantage of the time with each other as the school year comes to an end.

Though it was only the first game put together in years, it was a hit with students, parents, and staff as it brought in over 100 cans of food which were donated to Food For Lane County. The stands were packed with fans of both teams, wearing their respective colors of black (seniors) or pink (juniors). Senior Olivia Feist said, “I thought the idea of making the entry fee a can of food was great. It was a good way to have fun while also helping the community.”

Throughout the game, both teams exhibited great amounts of teamwork, determination, and skill, leaving coaches beyond impressed. It was a close game, but in the end the junior girls brought home the win with a score of 17-7. Junior Carter