A high school flag football tradition where girls play and boys act as cheerleaders, Powderpuff emerged in the 1940s as a wartime homecoming tradition because of the lack of male players. One of the first documented games was at Eastern State Teachers College in 1945. The term “Powderpuff” was coined by a newspaper where it referred to the halftime show in which women would apply their makeup. It was meant as a joke at the time, according to sportanddev.
In the 1970s, the Powderpuff tradition was really pushed as a movement for women’s equality.
“Powderpuff is a really fun event most of the seniors look forward to because we’ve been reigning champs the past two years,” said Senior Class President Natalie Gomez. “It is so fun to get on the field to compete and have fun with our friends,” she added.
This year’s FCHS Powderpuff game will take place Oct. 24 on the football field. Prior to 2024, these games traditionally took place on the Wednesday before Homecoming after school hours, but due to the fact that many students play fall sports, it made it challenging for students to participate.
As of last year, Powderpuff now takes place during the school day, so the entire student body can come watch the game. Students will head down to the field towards the end of 1st block and return to class at the end of 2nd block.
Class teams, which are led by class officers, traditionally order shirts or make homemade ones. Some also borrow flags from the gym. The games will be refereed by Fluco sports coaches, including Mitchell Pace, Jason Davis, Jason Barnett, and Danny Reed.
The Student Government Association (SGA) is in charge of planning this year’s Powderpuff. “This is just to have fun; people do get a little competitive, but it’s just meant to be a fun Homecoming event,” said SGA teacher David Small.
The ‘25-’26 Class Officers & Sponsors include the following:
8th Grade:
Sponsor: Ms. Guzman
President – Emmie Dickinson
Vice President – Aryssa Chowdhury
Secretary – Piper Almond
Treasurer – Finley Wood
9th Grade:
Sponsor: Mr. Gray
President – Sean Sloan
Vice President – Annaly Correa
Secretary – Sully McCauley
Treasurer – Adyson Wilson
10th Grade:
Sponsor: Ms. Pankau
President – Maxwell Cantagallo
Vice President – Zoe Jeffries
Secretary – James Feury
Treasurer – Greg Ball
11th Grade:
Sponsor: Ms. Esch
President – Dawson Raines
Vice President – Mallory Esch
Secretary – Peter Fulk
Treasurer – Claire Bomberger
12th Grade:
Sponsors: Mr. Pace, Mr. Davis, Mr. Barnett
President – Natalie Gomez
Vice President – Jordan Lewis
Secretary – Molly McCall
Treasurer – Noah Day
