Griffith Powderpuff Game Breaks Norms, Still Excites School

Griffith+Powderpuff+Game+Breaks+Norms%2C+Still+Excites+School

Skye Isenblatter, Copyeditor

Powderpuff is a tradition for many high schools where the junior and senior girls play against each other in a flag football game while being coached by the football players of their class. It is a Physical Education department fundraiser, which is run by Rachel Chavez, PE and health teacher. Although 2019 was the fifth annual year the game was held, this year stood out from all the other years.  Not only was the game postponed, but the results of the game were also extremely different from every other year.

The game was originally planned for October 1, the Tuesday before homecoming. It is usually planned as a homecoming week event to get everyone excited for the football game and dance later in the week. However, the weekend before the game was supposed to be held, Griffith was showered with heavy rain and severe thunderstorms, resulting in damage to the turf. Administration and Athletic Director Neil Dimos decided that it would be unsafe to host any games until the turf was fixed. Because of the damage, the Boys soccer team’s senior night had to be cancelled the day before while the powderpuff game was getting postponed.

The game was rescheduled for Tuesday October 15, upsetting many people that it was two weeks later.

“It just wasn’t as exciting as it should’ve been. We were all excited to play the week of homecoming, and by the time it was rescheduled, the excitement of it just faded,” said junior Ashley Shepard.

Many people stated that they felt disappointed because there wasn’t a huge turn out due to the cold weather and rain. However, others said that it ended up being the most exciting powderpuff game they’ve ever seen or played in.

The game started off like any normal powderpuff game; both teams were excited and ready to win. The seniors ended up having a lead of 6-0 in the first quarter. It wasn’t until the second quarter that the juniors came back with a touch down and later another one, making the score 6-12. However, in the fourth quarter, the seniors tied the game 12-12. The game went into overtime, with each team granted four plays 10 yards from the end zone. The seniors ran a touchdown in, making the score 18-12. When the juniors came up, they tied the game 18-18. Because of overtime rules for powderpuff, the game ended there, resulting in the first ever tie and the highest scoring game in all of the Griffith powderpuff games ever.

Although it was cold and there was a low attendance of fans, students said that it was worth the wait and that they are excited for next year’s game.