Most underclassmen want to dominate the seniors, and there is no better way to show that competition than the annual Powderpuff game, where a group of girls from each grade gear up under the lights of the stadium and go head to head in a game of flag football. The official date for the Powderpuff game this year is Oct. 22, the Wednesday before Homecoming.

As always, grades 9-12 will participate, unless a class humiliatingly fails to produce a team. Also, unlike regular football, instead of four 15-minute quarters, there are two 20-minute halves. Uniforms typically consist of short-sleeved t-shirts, bandanas, and face paint of the team’s color choice. While some of the boys “cheerlead,” the coaches stand by the sidelines and pray that their grade will win, because victory in Powderpuff is followed by a brief moment of fame for that lucky team.

“I think our whole team is in it to win it this year, and we’ve worked too hard to lose. There are some really athletic girls who are genuinely dedicated, and they’re a motivating factor for all of us,” said sophomore Megan Ludwig. Each grade organizes and manages their own practices, so everyone is allowed a sense of responsibility and independence. Although Powderpuff is mainly for enjoyment, a balance between order and humor has to be maintained. It’s no secret some people would rather grab a t-shirt, take a picture with the team, and then spend the rest of their time on the bench, but the support and energy within the team tends to turn even the laziest attitude into a desire to win.

Indeed, it’s often the team with the most competitive attitude that makes the difference between winner and loser. “With our great coaching staff and committed players, I think we got this, because we’re too nice for all of you,” said Sophomore Coach Craig Russo. Despite some disinterest in Powderpuff, Russo’s vote of confidence is shared by the majority of students participating in the game. With a shared goal to beat the seniors, doubt and laziness are not options.

Regardless of one’s appreciation for Powderpuff, there is another side to the emotions of the game. “I think it’s different… and I wouldn’t want to play,” said senior Samantha White. Running around under stadium lights with a football flying through the air and being shoved by a bunch of ruthless girls isn’t everyone’s idea of fun. Plays are still run and huddles are still called just like real football, and there aren’t many people who would be willing to jump on the field with the boys during a home game.

Besides being an activity for girls to experience half of what real football players go through, Powderpuff is a chance to show pride and support for Fluvanna’s Blue and Gold. In addition, there is no doubt that a school has unification when grades 9-12 can go toe-to-toe in a game of flag football and not hate each other afterwards.

So in the days leading up to Powderpuff, just remember this: Walking away from Netflix for a few days of practice will hopefully be worth it when the winning team is bragging to the entire school. May the best ladies win.