The crowd jumps up as a fantastic touchdown was made by one of Lakeland’s top athletes. This student is not your typical tall wide receiver who has played their whole life. It is a sophomore girl with flags around her waist and eyeblack smudged down her face.
An annual event takes place at Lakeland High School, one of the most anticipated by the student body at the school. This event is Powderpuff. A slightly ironic take on flag football, powderpuff is a game with the female students as players and the male students as cheerleaders. Coaches of the teams are football players on the school’s varsity team.
This fun tradition brings together the student body, allowing them to step outside their comfort zone and try something new. This more relaxed version of football contributes to fundraising for the high school, takes some of the school’s top athletes, and puts them in a humorous competition.
“I used to throw a football around with my dad when I was younger, and I enjoyed it. Powderpuff is a good alternative for real football,” Alyssa Ryckman said.
This year’s powderpuff competition will be held on May 22nd at the High School. The Freshmen and Seniors will compete on a team against the Sophomores and Juniors. Coaching for the Freshmen Senior team is Reilly Saxe, and for the opposing team Haydon Benson. Other football players, including Peyton Hillman, Brayden Tirri, Dylan Scott and Carter Vanek, are assisting the head coaches.
Twenty-plus girls are on each of the Powderpuff teams. A lot of fun and laughs are had during the practices for the game. The coaches teach the girls different plays and techniques to carry home the victory over the opposing team.
The spirit and camaraderie that comes alongside the game are extraordinary for Lakeland High School. From choosing creative eyeblack styles to running routes entirely new for them, the players push their skills in an ironic and fun way.
“It’ll be a good game,” Ryckman said. “My favorite part is learning the plays and trying out a whole different sport.”
To add to the event’s humor, some male students dress up as cheerleaders and chant and cheer from the sideline, switching the regular roles of a typical football game.
Overall, this upcoming event is a fantastic opportunity for the school to come together and raise money for the school. It is an opportunity for some top athletes to push themselves and showcase their talents creatively.
The girls grab their flags, put on their jerseys, and hit the practice fields in anticipation of the big game day.
“Seniors, watch your backs. They better be prepared for this good D,” Ryckman said.
Incredibly skilled athletes from sports like volleyball and softball join the Powderpuff teams to try something new and push their limits. All positions on a regular football team are used for the powderpuff game, and it is up to the coaches to teach the girls whole new positions.
The game fundraises money for the Lakeland Strong Fund, a fund that supports various initiatives in the Rathdrum community and school district, such as providing scholarships, funding extracurricular activities, and supporting local charities.
Not only do students get to participate in the activity, but they also support their community in an involving way.
