The annual Powderpuff game, featuring energetic players, a boy’s cheerleading squad, and a screaming crowd took place on Monday, October 28th at the Swinehart field.
Organized by teacher Kirsten Bolitho, this game of flag football is between two teams of junior girls and senior girls each with seven players, which raises money for the AVID program.
“The game raises money for fieldtrips and scholarships for my AVID class,” teacher Kirsten Bolitho said. “People look forward to it every year.”
Watching the girls intensely play was very fun for coach Clinton Davis, the junior coach, and coach Mark Moehlig, the senior coach.
“It was very exciting watching the players have fun,” Davis said. “It didn’t matter who won, it was competitive, but the players showed good sportsmanship.”
Both teams had 3 days of practice prior to the game, involving a lot of collaboration and intense training.
“For practice, I put all the players in offense,” Moehlig said, “we practiced blocking and efficient flag pulling.”
Junior Amya Williamson scored two touchdowns for her team, making her a leader in the junior’s team progress in the game.
“I definitely made many great and new memories that day,” Williamson said. “It was very fun, and we all had a great time.”
The game and final quarter was very entertaining for all the players, cheerleaders, and the crowd as the players ran circles around each other frantically.
“It was very fun to watch with my friends,” senior Jack Ladue said. “The last play was 4th down, and the seniors couldn’t win.”
The juniors held a firm stance against the seniors, who were unable to advance the ball to the goal and lost the game.
“We played quick and tried to catch them off guard,” junior Noelle Preaste said. “Overall, we tried to outsmart them.”
The game, along with the fun makeup the players wore, brought the teammates closer in collaboration and companionship.
“Everyone got along well and had a good time during practices, even though it was intense,” Williamson said. “After the game, we created a celebratory dance for fun.”
All Utica staff and students look forward to this game every year and it is a passionate example of a celebration of school spirit. It is a special time for bonding for the players and cheerleaders alike. It makes great memories for players, teachers and the crowd as well.
