The sun set, the wind started to rise, and a brisk chill filled the afternoon. Boys dressed in bright colors paraded along the sidelines cheering on female athletes who were racing back and forth on the fields. The teams set to square off against one another in the annual Powder Puff tournament.

Alumni Will Colthorpe and Chris Ruediger began the Powder Puff competition three years ago through SCA.  It has grown into a tradition in which varsity football players are chosen to coach teams of five to eight ladies, as they battle for the title of Powder Puff champion.  This year, 18 teams participated.

The coaches rallied their self-assembled teams and prepared to compete for the prize, the Powder Puff “Bling Ball” as well as free coffee shop cookies.

Capturing this year’s title was “No Punt Intended,” who defeated the “Dream Team,” 3-0.  Sophomore Kelsey Lipscomb acted as running back for the winning team and was a key member in the major upset.

“I didn’t think we were going to make it that far.  We had some plays, but we couldn’t remember what they were once we started playing,” Lipscomb said.

Last year’s champions, the “Field Hockey Squad,” failed to defend their title, losing in overtime to the eventual champions in the semi-finals, 3-2.

Junior Cassidy Atchinson was a member of the “Field Hockey Squad,” along with other girls from the field hockey team.  As the #1 seed heading into the competition, they had high expectations for themselves.

“We definitely expected to win it all because we were the predetermined #1 team and we won last year,” Atchinson said.

The teacher team, “Stampede,” made history winning their first game after two consecutive losses.  Science teacher Claye Rhea helped her team beat the “Balls N Dolls” in game #1, despite never practicing.  However, the teachers forfeited their victory, allowing the “Balls N Dolls” to advance.

“We didn’t plan it out and some of the teachers had to leave to pick up their kids.  But next year, we’re going to plan ahead and win it all,” said Rhea.

As part of the Powder Puff experience, boys were encouraged to cheer on the girls as they played.  Senior Davis Chewey, was a cheerleader for the “Fumble Bees” and supported their team throughout the competition, even though his team didn’t take the title.

“Being a cheerleader was tougher than I thought, but I really enjoyed getting hype and cheering on my team,” said Chewey.

Powder Puff football continues to grow in participation and popularity thanks to SCA sponsors Jennifer Nardelli and Sabrina Shumate, along with many talented students.

“It gets more serious every year, but I really enjoy how the event is for the girls and how they get excited for it and have a good time,” Nardelli said.