Class of 2023 Earns Redemption
This year’s Powder Puff Football game ended in a 23-16 win for the seniors – a much better result for the class of 2023 than their loss 28-6 to the class of 2022. With physical play, questionable officiating, and consistent obstruction by Communications staff member Joey Randazzo, this game is one to remember.
Senior head coach, Landon Allis’s statement, “I’m not gonna lie, they had us in the first half” perfectly describes this year’s battle between the senior and junior girls. The head-bowing score of 16-0 at the end of the first half left the senior girls questioning their faith in their coaches and everyone wondering how the seniors could be losing so badly. Their ego had taken a beating, but they were not yet ready to give up.
Powder Puff rules entail a strict no-tackling rule. However, both teams struggled to adhere to those guidelines, resorting to questionable tactics. Although players on both teams claim they “didn’t tackle” players on the other team, some of them clearly got caught up in the heat of the moment. Recent uploads to Smugmug catch many junior girls and a few senior girls grabbing arms, shoving players, and elbowing the other team.
Despite the juniors’ substantial lead and great tackling form, the senior players and coaches miraculously scored 16 points in the last 20 minutes of the game. Their teamwork and determination really showed through during this unbelievable comeback. Their attitude started changing as they scored point after point. As the game entered overtime, the seniors scored a touchdown, allowing them to win the game.
Regardless of the loss, Rocco Laperna ’24 considers Powder Puff “a great opportunity to come together as upperclassmen.” The game certainly allowed juniors and seniors to interact with other members of their grade and compete against athletes with whom they typically play. Both sidelines featured players and classmates cheering the players on as the players raced to move the ball forward before someone pulled their flag or they earned a turf burn. Although they were on opposing teams during the game, the seniors and juniors grew closer through this shared experience.
Rocco hopes to redeem himself and coach the class of 2024 to victory next year. Following this rollercoaster of a game, the current sophomores have a lot to live up to. The grueling and longstanding rivalry between the seniors and juniors of WRA at Powder Puff is far from over.
– Rebecca Rubiano ’23
The Reserve Record 