The tradition of Powder Puff football is a lively and entertaining kick-off to the festivities of Homecoming Week. The senior class faces off against the juniors for four quarters of action and fun, where many Pine Creek fans come together to cheer on their teams. Coach Gabel, the organizer of the games, has “been here 24 years at Pine Creek High School,” he said, “We’ve done it almost every year.” The game has a few basic principles, the girls switch to the boys traditional roles of playing football while the boys put on a dazzling show of acrobatics and cheer routines as cheerleaders.

The general atmosphere between the community during the game is one of the most important aspects that brings Powder Puff to life, whether it’s watching the cheerleaders during halftime or rooting for your team. “There’s a lot of fun experiences to be had with your friends,” Caitlyn Caswell (12) said. “Even if you don’t win, it’s just a close community going out there to have some fun and have some school spirit.”

For the players, Powder Puff is an amazing opportunity to get out there and learn how to play football.

“It’s my senior year and powder puff seems like a once in a lifetime sort of thing and I just wanted to try it out,” Akshaya Mandhapati (12), said. ”I got to meet a lot of new people and learned a lot about football which I did not know before.” She explains what’s important for each individual player: ”You focus on your position and what type of passes you’re supposed to take and who to throw to.”

But the seniors aren’t the only ones who have this sentiment. The junior class is equally competitive and determined to win.

“I decided to play in the game because it’s something I feel like I should be a part of, that, once I leave, I won’t be able to do it again,” Maddy Simington (11) said. ”I’m pretty good at taking the flags.” She spoke for the junior class when she said, ”Juniors better win.”

Leading the charge on both sides were the dedicated and passionate coaches. These coaches are normally the players on the Pine Creek Football team, but gave their time to spread their love for the game. One of the junior coaches, Jackson Minton (11), said he was “just excited to see everybody compete.”

This mentality is common among the coaches.

Malik Glenn (12) said his favorite part of the games was “teaching everybody what to do.”

Even after a disappointing loss Minton was still happy with the team’s effort. “The way [ the juniors] ran the plays, they definitely took the coaching that we gave them,” Minton said.

Another of the Junior coaches, Brady Walden (11), was committed to teaching the intricacies and appeal of the game he loves. These dedicated coaches were the heart of their respective teams and brought something to the tradition that no one else could.

One of the highlights of the Powder Puff game is watching the Senior boys who volunteer to be cheerleaders.

“[I decided to be a cheerleader because] It’s my senior year and I just want to give it my all,” Carter Cooper (12) said.

Cheerleaders practiced two hours a day during the week leading up to the game. With the help of the senior girls on the varsity cheer squad, the boys put together an entertaining and fun routine for halftime, as well as support directed towards the senior team during the game.

“[I wanted to] try something new and have fun cheering on my team,” Gavin Harper (12) said.

For cheerleading coaches, training the cheerleaders was a fun and unique experience. “I decided to coach because I’m really passionate about cheerleading,” Summer Casper (11) said. ”It’s very interesting because they’re very entertaining and kind of chaotic but it’s been fun to try and have that challenge.”

The atmosphere was electric at D20 Stadium throughout the entire night. It was a close game all the way through the fourth quarter, with the Seniors eventually coming out on top after scoring the go ahead touchdown with three minutes and change remaining. The game was a huge success and wildly entertaining, especially for the underclassmen who were attending for the first time.

“My experience [at the powder puff game] has been incredible” Victoria Clement (9) said, “and it’s so much fun!”

Parke Teger (10) said,“It’s really nice to see students coming around and cheering for each other.”