Seniors eager to win Powderpuff game, after tough lost last year

Grace Tadajweski l Editor-In-Chief

This year the annual Powderpuff game is set to kick off Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. with juniors and seniors both excited to see who will come out on top.

The game is a competitive opportunity given to both seniors and juniors. The playing occurs between girls while boys cheer alongside the game.

“I joined because I want to play with all my friends,” said senior Myah Wright. “I can’t wait to see them all out on the field.”

All the money raised by the players goes to the Children’s Miracle Network, a non-profit organization that donates and raises money for children’s hospitals all around the nation. The network uses its funds to reach 10 million children every year.

Junior Sadie Kosoff was diagnosed with Lyme Meningitis in fourth grade, an infection that affected her balance and ability to walk. Kosoff was sent to a children’s hospital for treatment, and, thus, feels close to this cause.

“I’m excited to play in the Powderpuff this year and raise money,” said Kosoff. “The Children’s Miracle Network helped raise money for me, and things like Powderpuff help other children in need.”

Because the typical football jerseys that the girls wear would be unable to come in time for the game, the girls will be wearing the boys’ football jerseys. Because of this, there has been conversation that instead of the usual short shorts and a crop top, the boys may be wearing the old cheer uniforms.

“We are trying to convince Coach Boger to give us the old uniforms,” said senior boys’ cheer coach Melissa Rayburn. “The girls get uniforms, why not the guys?”

Senior and student section leader Malachai Kinlaw volunteered to be a male cheerleader for Powderpuff being that he participates with the cheerleaders normally at football games. Kinlaw also has a prediction on the outcome of the game.

“I have experience, so who better to get the crowd hyped up,” said Kinlaw. “I believe in our (senior) girls; the juniors don’t have a chance.”

Most students believe the seniors will win. The seniors lost last year as juniors, so most have hope that they will make a comeback this year.

After 29 years of running the Powderpuff game, Jane Hepler retired from teaching last year. Teachers Anthony Sinico, Katie Gerhart and Chelsea Lutz will be organizing the event in her place. Lutz and Sinico plan to serve as coaches.

“The seniors are going to win,” said Sinico. “They have the experience and dedication and will be putting in work at practices. This is my second year being a part of this, and it's always great to see the girls go out and play just as hard as the guys do.”