Lauren Sexton
FIGHTING FOR VICTORY | Class of 2016 alumna Caroline Bock runs with the ball during last year’s game. This spring will be Senior Maggie McEnroe’s rst year of powderpu . “It seemed like the girls had fun last year, and it was kind of my last chance to do it so I gured why not do it before I graduate,” McEnroe said.
While football is generally considered a boys sport, the annual powderpuff game gives girls a chance to play, too.
The flag football contest is coached by varsity football players and consists of one junior team and one senior team. It is not an official school sport or activity but has been arranged outside school the past few years. Teams typically face off in the fall, but for this school year, it will take place in the spring.
According to senior Maggie McEnroe, the event was moved because varsity players had playoffs and didn’t have time to coach. College applications and other schedule conflicts added to the problem.
“I think it’ll make it easier for everyone to be able to find time,” McEnroe said. “Everyone wanted to be apart of it but had a lot going on, so it was hard to do it then, so it’ll make it easier, I think.”
Although the schedule change helps some players, junior Rebecca Alway said this change isn’t beneficial because of her busy schedule in the spring and that many other members have the same problem, which may keep them from participating.
“I know a lot of people on our team were really upset with that decision because it’s going to be hard for them to know if they’re going to be able to do it (in the spring),” she said. “I’m pretty sure I’m going to do it, but I play on two softball teams in the spring, so there’s not going to be a lot of time for me.”
Nonetheless, both Alway and McEnroe said powderpuff is a great way for girls to socialize and have fun. Alway said she hopes to take part in the activity again because of her positive experience.
“I think it’s just a really good chance to meet a lot of different people. Maybe if you’re not even good at sports, you could still come. It’s a nice bonding experience you could have. You could even learn stuff about the game if you’re interested in it. Maybe you’ll learn to like football if you don’t, but I think everyone should give it a chance,” Alway said. “I think it’s a chance to show that girls can play football just like guys can. I mean, it’s normally considered a guy sport, but I mean I think girls can do it just as well.”
