Blazing heat reflected off the turf. The swish of the football spiraled through the air. Cheers erupted each time a touchdown was scored. This was the scene at Memorial Field during the annual Powderpuff event, and this year’s result was nothing short of unexpected. Both teams played with spirit and determination, but the juniors ultimately pulled ahead, winning 28–21.

The score went back and forth, with the juniors and seniors each scoring seven points by the end of the first quarter. Teams regrouped and hydrated during breaks as the scorching sun beat down on the field.

There were several standout players on both teams, including juniors Kaylee Kreitzer, Annette Huesca, and Ari Evans, while the seniors were led by Jayna Vock, Sophia Ptack, and Sneha George.

The game marked the first time since 2013 that the junior class has won a powderpuff game.

“It feels so surreal that we actually won. I remember Mr. Chisholm telling my APUSH class that in the 20 years that he has been here, the juniors have only won once. A team of 12 girls and 5 coaches was definitely not expected to win, but the girls never stopped fighting,” junior Emily Gee said.

Several close attempts were made by the seniors to take the lead, but the juniors defense, especially Ari and AJ Evans, kept up and pulled many flags, preventing any touchdowns. Junior Ana Hurtado scored two touchdowns in the second quarter off of two long throws from AJ Evans.

With a couple of minutes left in the third quarter, senior Sneha George made an impressive breakaway after catching the ball and rushed into the end zone, tying the score at 21–21.

“Scoring was fun because we all cheered for each other, regardless of how well we knew one another. Every time somebody scored a touch down, all the girls on the team high-fived and celebrated together, making powderpuff a great bonding experience,” George said.

Both teams were determined to score again as time ticked down, fighting for yards with about four minutes left in the game.

With a minute remaining in the final quarter, junior AJ Evans rushed the ball into the end zone, dodging the seniors’ defense and secured the win for the juniors.

The Evans twins contributed to all four of the juniors’ touchdowns – through forward passes, lateral passes, and last-minute runs- giving the juniors the final push they needed to claim victory.

“The last play of the game. I was on my toes and I’m sure everyone else was. We were up by one touchdown and the seniors had the ball with about 14 seconds left. The pass to the receiver was broken up, and we had won,” Gee said.