MHS juniors over seniors in inaugural benefit Powder Puff football game

Ladies from the junior and senior classes at Maricopa High School took the field Wednesday night for what is hoped to be the inaugural Powder Puff football game.

Pink and black shirts and shorts took the place of the normal red and black Rams uniforms, as the ladies took to the field in a contest for class bragging rights.

All of the proceeds raised in conjunction with the game went to benefit the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure cancer foundation. The event was the brainchild of Marsie Shealey, who had help from fellow teacher, Megan Tyler. The two also coached the junior class, who were able to get off to a fast start in the game.

On the first play of the game, junior Brittany Parks took the ball off the right side and ran the 80 yards for a quick touchdown. This was followed by two additional first half scores by Jelissa Bell. The two, normally stars on the track team, were able to use their speed as an advantage.

At halftime, the marching band took the field casually dressed, but with the color guard flying pink flags as a reminder of the reason for the game. While they performed on the field, male members of the junior class took to the sideline as cheerleaders for their team, forming pyramids and attempting stunts under the direction of members of the varsity cheer squad.

When the teams retook the field, it looked as though the senior team would continue to struggle, calling time out before they even got off a play. But they were able to slowly put together drives behind the leadership of Erin “The Beast” Litchfield and Charm Muhammad. Each of them was able to score touchdowns to cap off extended drives.

On the sideline, Coach Brandt and Shealey were discussing the success of the event. They have already started making plans for next year and are hoping to more than double the attendance Wednesday night.

In the end, it was the junior class that was able to prevail with a final score of 20-14.

However, it was really the entire community that came away from this victorious. The students of the school were able to come together to have a good time with one another as part of their Homecoming celebration, and they were able to raise money in support of a good cause.

Photos by David Vargas