Looking for our game-day story on the powderpuff match? Click here to read Ana Hurtado’s article “Seniors claim victory in annual powderpuff game.”

The sun blazed over the green turf as a sea of purple and yellow filled the field, the energy evident. There was a buzz in the air as the senior and junior girls huddled up, bracing for what has become a WeGo tradition—the annual Powderpuff game. With a swift snap, the seniors seized possession, and the game was on, promising an afternoon of intensity, camaraderie, and unexpected surprises.

Junior and senior students were hyped for the long-standing tradition, powderpuff, held at Memorial Stadium on Friday, Oct. 18. The event is always a much-anticipated part of Homecoming week, with upperclassmen battling it out in a friendly, yet fierce, competition on the football field.

As students made their way back to Memorial Field from the WEGO parade, the powderpuff girls were getting ready by practicing their plays and working on last-minute strategies. Before the game started, the referees gathered everyone into one big circle to explain the rules. Due to the high number of players, the school had to split the game into two sides, with two matches happening at the same time.

“We’re just here to make sure that everyone follows the rules, has a good time, and stays safe,” referee and Activity Director Mark Wolfe said.

When the game started, the juniors quickly took the lead with a touchdown on both sides of the field, one of which was thanks to Sneha George.

“I feel awesome scoring the first touchdown for our side, and my teammates are great,” George said.

While the juniors were excited about their early lead, the senior coaches started to grow frustrated with the refs, the players, and even the other team. Tempers flared as the competition heated up, but the seniors remained determined to make a comeback.

During the game, a squirrel made an unexpected appearance, darting around the goalposts as if to cheer on the players. The crowd laughed and pointed, adding a lighthearted moment to an otherwise intense match.

By halftime, the juniors still held the lead with a score of 28-21. The game was far from over, though, and both teams knew they had to bring their best in the second half.

During halftime, the Pom Boys took over the field with a performance that had the crowd both laughing and cheering.

“Disturbing,” announcer Dave Jennings said, as the boys executed their routine.

“Somewhat enthusiastic,” Assistant Athletic Director Brittany Abdishi was overheard saying.

As the second half began, the seniors fought back, tying the game with the juniors at 35-35.

“I’m feeling good. I’ve been waiting for my touchdown,” senior Ginger Montalvo said.

Near the end of the game, senior Michaela Miller was injured after taking a knee to the head. School nurse Cathy Collins rushed to the field to assist her. Both teams showed great sportsmanship, taking a knee until Michaela was safely helped off the field.

In the final minutes, the seniors pulled ahead, securing the win with a score of 56-35.

“I’m so tired, but it was worth it,” senior Sophia Miller said.