Seniors Take Powderpuff!

Click arrow to preview

The lights are blaring, students are screaming, and Sweet Caroline is playing. These are all key components that make up a classic Blacksburg High School football game. However, all of this was going down on Wednesday, October 2nd, for the annual Powderpuff Game. Instead of boys out on the field, the teams were composed of Juniors girls vs. Senior girls, with respective football coaches from each grade. Students showed out at 7PM to support whichever side, pink for Seniors and black for Juniors. The Seniors took home the victory, a fitting end after their loss last year. The students were going wild, the players (attempted at) balling out, and money was raised for a good cause. Needless to say, the Powderpuff game was a huge success on all sides. 

However, not everyone is beaming after the Powderpuff game. The downside to the Seniors winning is the Juniors losing. The Juniors left the field with defeated hearts, but also a plan to take the field with vengeance next year, and improve on their performance. “[We were] pretty good in the beginning… But, next year, once we learn how to grab the flags, we’re coming for that victory.” Desta Nadler, a Junior player for Powderpuff, said. They’re holding nothing back, and are hungry for that victory. She went on to say, “The class of ‘27 is indeed cooked.” Not to pick sides, but the intensity of the future ‘26 Senior team isn’t something to glance over. Hopefully, this year's Junior section will match the intensity the team plans to bring next year, as some say it was lacking during the Powderpuff game. A student in the Junior student section said, “I feel as if the Juniors’ atmosphere was more dreary and disappointing than the Seniors’.” It seems the Juniors’ failed to match the Seniors’ energy on all sides of Bill Brown Stadium, but there’s certainly hope for a comeback next year. Watch out class of ‘27!

Despite the (supposed) lackluster Junior student section, the Senior student section showed out. “My favorite part of the game [was] I really enjoyed all of the students that came out to support us, I felt really loved and I felt a lot of BHS 2025 pride.” said Natalie Edwards, a player on the Senior Powderpuff team. The Senior student section showed out for their team one last time. And, in turn, that team played together to have a winning game and fun atmosphere. A player for the Senior team, Claire Langlinais said, “I thought we worked together really well. I think the coaches really came together.”  Players, coaches, and students all had a great time at Powderpuff. Maria Addikis, a Senior Powderpuff player, said,  “I really enjoyed being really excited and cheering on my teammates and getting to share the Bruin spirit.” The Senior players fed off the electric energy from their team and the students in the stands, and scored two touchdowns in the Powderpuff game. One of these touchdowns was scored off a pass to Charlotte Ellis. “It was awesome. I was surprised that I got it.” The Senior Powderpuff team not only showed out for a stellar performance, but was backed by an energy-filled student section. 

The ‘25 Seniors vs the ‘26 Juniors Powderpuff game was exciting from all angles. While the Juniors took a tough loss, they look forward to avenging themselves in next year’s game (and doing it with spirit). The Seniors were able to end their Powderpuff experience with a great win, and did it with enthusiasm and grit. While the actual gameplay may have been questionable when it comes to skill, it was more than made up for by the strong energy from both players and fans. Class of ‘26 and ‘27 have a lot to look out for, but the class of ‘25 is leaving Powderpuff on a victorious note.

---

Written by Molly Nelson

Photography by Elayna Weatherspoon