Seniors Have Something to Prove at Homecoming Powderpuff

With homecoming around the corner, an exciting, dynamic, and unique slate of activities is scheduled at J. Sterling Morton West High School, but few of those activities are drumming up as much excitement as the time-honored tradition of the homecoming Powderpuff tournament.

The last time that a powderpuff game was played here at J. Sterling Morton West High School was in 2019 – last year’s Homecoming events were canceled as a result of Covid-19. The return of Powderpuff – a flag-football-style competition for teams of girls organized by graduating class – is a sign of a return to normalcy and a chance at bragging rights for the frosh, sophs, juniors, or seniors who win the tournament.

The team is welcoming many new participants. For senior, Daisy Loya, it’s one of the first cool school-related activities in which she and her friends can get together. Even so, Loya acknowledged that playing in the stadium under the lights in front of fans creates a bit of nerves.

“I am feeling very excited and scared at the same time since there will be a lot of eyes on us,” Loya said. “I feel like there is so much expected from us because we are seniors but many of us girls aren’t trained for all that.”

Nervousness aside, senior Alexis Medina said the tournament is a great way to start the school year.

“It’s a new and memorable experience for me and it is a good comeback to kick off the year with something that we weren’t allowed to do last year!” said Senior Alexis Medina.

Senior Paola Campos shared similar thoughts on the Powderpuff experience.

“I think powderpuff is a great experience to be with your friends and meet new people for the fun of it,” Campos said.