As Fluvanna gears up again for another powder puff game, have you ever asked, “Where did the idea for powder puff begin?”   The first powder puff game was played on Oct. 20,1945, at Eastern State Teacher’s College in Madison, South Dakota.  After the rigors of World War II, many of the school’s activities had been canceled, including the homecoming celebration and sports such as football.  

So when the peace treaty was signed on Sept. 2 of that year, and homecoming was put back on the schedule, they quickly realized they had one problem– namely, how to play the game when so many young men had been drafted into the military.  (Only three men had enrolled in classes that fall.)  So in the spirit of the phrase “Keep Calm and Calm On”– a war-time slogan which the British government had used to motivate people to continue on with their lives despite the war– Susie Lowry, a freshman at Eastern, proposed that they have an all-girls team, a shocking suggestion for those used to a male-dominated sport. The committee ended up approving the idea, and now, decades later, powder puff has become a tradition at many schools across the nation.  

In fact, powder puff is one of FCHS’ biggest fall events.  “People should play powder puff because it allows you to come together with your class, have fun, and kick some butt,” said Junior Michelle Hammond.  Even though the game isn’t until Oct. 19, many girls from each grade are already preparing for the game by signing up to play, making t-shirt designs, and practicing.  “Through social media we have been building our roster and scheduling when we are having practice to get prepared,” said Freshman Jules Shephard.  

In the past, the seniors have almost always won, but this year’s underclassmen are hoping to change that.  “We are still getting people to sign up for powder puff, but we have our plans ready for our shirts and we are ready for the game,” said Sophomore Trinity Haynes.  

The game will be held on Oct. 19 from 7-8 pm on the football field.  Admission is a canned food item.  If you would like to sign up to play, see your class president (listed below).

Class presidents:

8th grade: Pharoah Harris

Freshmen: Amina Wilson

Sophomores: Trinity Haynes

Juniors: Kate Moncure

Seniors: Alex Scalzo