Powderpuff, an annual tradition at STHS, is an all-female competition with four grade-level teams competing in flag football for bragging rights. Mrs. O’Neill has been responsible for running this event. For her, Powder Puff “is a great high school tradition.” She adds, “It’s fun to watch the teams play so hard for the honor of being champions.”
The event begins with players walking out to a “hype song” of their choice. This year, Mrs. O’Neill says the walkouts were “the best ever.” There were cartwheels and backflips involved, starting the competition off with energy.
As soon as the games begin, the girls “showcase their athleticism in a sport they likely have only experienced in the backyard or a P.E. class,” as Mrs. O’Neill says. The rivalries between grades are fierce as nobody wants to lose to their friends and deal with years of non-stop bragging rights.
Leah Hyland (sophomore) said, “As much as I love my friends, I hate losing to them because they never let me forget it.” This year was especially hard for the sophomore class as they lost both games, including a last-minute touchdown from the freshman class. The junior class, however, found great success led by Murphy McGranaghan and Caitlin Lewis. They went on to win the entire tournament and raise the trophy high.
Teams also have coaches who have to find the formula for winning and balance their rosters to get everyone playing time.” Sophomore coach Colton Mancuso explains how balancing time was easy because “all the girls were eager to play against each other.” He also observed how competitive the games are, with teams exchanging trash talk and questioning refs calls. He says, “it had the NFL” with the ruthlessness of the games.
Proceeds from purchasing the teams’ shirts and donations go to the MIP foundation, which supports adolescents fighting cancer. This year, $200 was donated.
