Many Raptors would tell you that Wall Day brings the most excitement but in my experience, Powder Puff has always taken the cake. Here is everything you need to know about these glorious games. 

Powderpuff is when each grade’s team competes in a series of girl-only flag football games. This year Powder Puff will take place on October 15th after students take the PSAT and SAT. 

The games are organized as so: 

2:30 pm = Freshmen vs Senior

2:40 pm = Sophomores vs Juniors

2:50 pm = Cheer competition(if time)

3:05 pm = Championship: Winner of previous games

Be aware of the short time and the running clock; it is vital to score as quickly as possible because unfortunately ties result in rock-paper–scissor shoot games that have folded out dramatically over the years. Freshmen girls if you had no idea of this such activity do not fear but go to your Stucco and ask to be part of the team. The actual football players in your grade will be your coaches and hopefully, they have already stepped up and planned a few practices. 

The seriousness of team preparation should not be taken lightly. From designing jerseys and assigning numbers to creating unique plays and practicing diligently, plenty needs to be done. To be clear 9th grade is assigned the color white, sophomores have blue, juniors are pink and seniors have black. I would suggest that each team coordinates their jersey designs so your team presents a cohesive front. Pictured below is the class of 2025 in their cute bright pink jerseys last year!

Speaking of last year’s powderpuff, let’s rehash what went down. The class of 2024 came in very confident, assuming that they would win simply because they were seniors. However, the class of 2027 stepped up majorly and defeated the seniors in the first game. This upset proved that anything is possible. Next, the class of 2025 beat the class of 2026 in a competitive game. In the championship, the class of 2025 faced the freshmen and proved their talent as they were titled champions for the second year in a row. #2peat 

Coach Koll will be your ref, whatever she says goes and it is important that we respect that! Her official rules are listed at the bottom of this article. I would recommend reading and reminding your teammates to do the same! 

Now let’s hear from some raptors! 

Senior quarterback Chloe Trowman says “I am excited to crush all the underclassmen, I have been QB1 every powder puff and I am pumped to work with my all star center and best friend Street Wilson for one last year. Seniors by 90”. Elizabeth Hample, a former participant, talks about her experience. “I quit powderpuff when they stopped playing me”. This is an important point because although anyone can join the teams the decision of who plays comes down to the coaches. Due to short game times and high stakes not everyone will go on the field. Clementine Willard, a sophomore with one pretty successful year under her belt says “Powderpuff is about building a strong sense of community throughout the team and grade as well as giving the girls a taste of what it means to play football for Academic Magnet”.

Hannah Collins ,a high-performing junior, exclaims, “I feel confident that this year our class might just be able to take home 1st place. We for sure have the athleticism and spirit to dominate in both the offense and defense  to win it all. Our track record may not be the greatest, but this year definitely is our year.”

Dean McCullough, the head coach of the class of 2025, who has proven his dedication to this position over the past years strongly declares that  “ “The underclassmen stand no chance; we’re gonna roll through everyone. We all know Campbell can’t coach so we should have no problem”  Meanwhile Campbell Stokloso, the junior head coach tells me  that, “The junior powder puff team looks strong. And I believe we can go all the way this year”.

Nikos Paraschos, a man leader for the class of 2025 reflects on his experience, “It has been really fun and it builds stronger connections and bonds with people in your grade that you don’t get to interact with that much.” Senior star wide receiver, Sophia Benich states that “We cannot go into this year too confident; we must prepare for strong competition and practice till perfection in order to win and keep our title.” 

If you are not a player, coach or manleader do not worry! Simply watching the games and cheering  on your grade outside in the beautiful October weather will be plenty of fun! As for the junior, sophomore, and freshman teams, we seniors will see you on the field. Prepare to be destroyed.

AMHS Powder Puff Rules

General:

• • 7 (or agreed number) players on the field for both offense and defense.
  • Coin flip or rock, paper, scissors at the beginning will give the winner choice of offense or defense.
  • Game will be a 7-minute running clock (so move quickly) except for the last 1 minute of the game.  Last 1 min, the clock will stop for moving of the cone, out of bounds, and incomplete passes.
  • Players must be on-side and out of the neutral zone before each play.
  • ALL players must have their flags on the outside of the shirt (tucked-in shirt is preferred) so that they are not covered and also one flag needs to be on each hip.
  • If a ball carrier’s flag falls off for any reason while in possession of the ball, the play is down, if it is off when she catches it then she will be down where she caught it.
  • There are no kick-offs, each team will take possession on their own 10-yard line.
  • ***A “punt” will result in the ball being placed at the opponents 10-yard line. On 4th down a team must declare whether they are going for it or “punting”.
  • A  first down is given if the ball is moved past the mid-field cone.  Only 1 first down per possession.
  • No stiff arms, holding or guarding flags.  The player will be called down at spot of foul. 
  • Only one 30-second timeout can be called.
  • In case of a tie, each team will get 1 down from the 10-yard line to score. If it is still tied after 1st OT, we will do a coin flip or rock, paper, scissors (foot race?). 

• NO JEWELRY!! (everything must be removed before playing)

• The officials (Coach Koll and anyone kind enough to help her) have the final say do not argue!

Offense:

• •  Ball must be snapped from center, under the legs or from the side.

• • Quarterback can run with the ball immediately 1 time per 4 downs (cancels rush count).

• • • Handoffs and laterals cancel rush count.

• • Fumbles are a dead ball where the ball is dropped.

• • No forward passes once across the line of scrimmage and will stay in possession of the team that dropped it.
  • Blocking is permitted with hands behind back, holding will be called. (5 yard penalty)
  • The ball carrier must try to elude the tackler rather than creating contact.
  • Touchdowns will count as 7 points. Safety will count as 2 points. 
  • Jumping and diving to move the ball towards the end zone is not permitted.

Defense:

• • Defense must pull flags only, no tackling.  15 yard penalty and ejection for unnecessary roughness.

• • 5 count rush each play, must be called out loud by both teams! (1 Raptor, 2 Raptor, 3 Raptor, 4 Raptor, 5 Raptor, RUSH) – 5 yd penalty for early rush.

• • Rushers must go around blockers, not through (see above for unnecessary roughness).

Note:

• • field 60 yards (30 for first down) and 10 yard end zones; width 40 yds (outside number mark)