On October 22nd, 2025, West High hosted its annual Powderpuff event where students and teachers each participated in their own flag football games. While the teacher game was a traditional flag football contest, the student match featured an intense feud between juniors and seniors. Powderpuff is unique because it allows girls to play on the field, while the guys either act as coaches or cheerleaders. In preparation for the event, students attended several late-night practices. I interviewed three students to acknowledge their hard work and learn about the effort that went into Powderpuff itself.
Junior Damian Ape participated in Powderpuff as a cheerleader. When asked about his favorite part about the event, Ape responded by saying, “Definitely practicing with the team and learning the halftime show.” The halftime show featured an impressive cheer routine, where the performers executed a stunt and cartwheels. Ape added that, “We practiced a lot to get that routine down. The most challenging part was learning how to do the stunts. It was really fun when we actually performed it.” Despite being inexperienced in cheer, they were able to provide an entertaining halftime performance with help from senior Crystal Macedo, who acted as their cheer coach.
Although the seniors ultimately won Powderpuff, junior Ava Bullock expressed pride in her opponent’s victory and gratitude toward the event. She shared her opinion about the seniors by stating, “I think that the seniors deserved to go out on a win and that we’ll definitely win next year!” Just like Ape, Bullock found value in bonding with her team and viewed Powderpuff as a learning experience. “I think the most fun part was bonding with the other girls on our team. Plus, we got to learn what the football players really do since not a lot of people actually know how the game works!”
I interviewed senior Jia Camacho who played for the winning team in Powderpuff. She expressed her excitement and bittersweet feelings about participating in the event by sharing that, “Powderpuff was something I looked forward to since my freshman year, and it was fun playing with the friends I had been making for the past four years.” Camacho poked fun at their underclassmen by saying, “We loved sliming out the juniors.”
Powderpuff is a fun annual tradition that allows juniors and seniors to bond, while also acting as a farewell gift to those who are graduating. Students are encouraged to participate next year and make everlasting memories!
