Powder Puff: Class of 2015 takes a second victory
Among the class of 2015’s other achievements in their final year at NPHS, they are now back-to-back Powder Puff champions. Powder Puff, a game of flag football coached by the junior and senior football players and played by junior and senior girls, has been an annual tradition for several years. Both this year and last, the now-graduating class dominated with scores of 28-0 and 20-6 respectively.
When asked if they were nervous about being able to defend their title, senior coaches Zachary Martino and Nathaniel Rogers were able to confidently say, “no, not at all.”
“All the coaches are so fun and really good with the players,” said Jamie Baker, senior. “We all just had a good time and we dominated. It’s all been really fun. Even the practices, and just getting to know all the senior girls before graduation.”
However, despite the loss, both the junior players and junior coaches enjoyed their experience working together. “It’s been a really good bonding experience for everyone,” said Sophie Elliott, junior. “Our team has become really close the past couple of weeks, just because were so small.”
Besides the fun components of playing football, the players had a chance to acquire new skills. “It’s been nice too because now I’m learning all of the details about football. I think that I kind of got it from their season but now it’s like I’m really learning all of the ins and outs of the game,” said Holly Reynolds, junior.
The process of practicing and preparing for the big faceoff came with struggles. Both the senior and junior coaches experienced difficulties along the way.
“The hardest part is that as a football player we already know what the positions are and everything, but the girls are mostly new to all of that stuff,” said Austin Young, junior coach. “We had to explain it all to them, and it’s hard to catch them up to everything.”
The seniors experienced a slightly different set of problems, according to Rogers, which included getting the players to stop talking and focus on playing. “With that much estrogen in one spot, it’s hard,” said Rogers.
“The experience of coaching these girls really puts into perspective what an actual coaching position at Newbury Park High School is like,” said Shane Sipes, junior coach. “It takes leadership. It’s really fun to be able to be a part of this.”
