The annual Powderpuff football game brought excitement and a burst of school spirit to the field on Monday night. As the sun set and the stadium lights came on, students and families filled the stands ready to cheer on their classmates.

DECA’s Project

Olentangy’s DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America)  program hosted Powderpuff to support MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association). This is DECA’s 30th year in association with MDA. DECA’s main goal is to raise awareness and funds that aid children with Muscular Dystrophy. 

“It’s important primarily for a good cause, the proceeds of the money powderpuff makes goes to MDA, which also feeds into why it’s important to come support.” Sophomore coach, Daniel Stephens, said.

Muscular Dystrophy is a group of genetic disorders that cause progressive muscle weakness and loss over time. 

Game Time

DECA changed the tournament bracket this year to allow teams to play more games. Game one was seniors vs juniors, and the juniors took the win. Game two was freshmen vs sophomores. This year, however, two more games were played, which included a loser game played between the seniors and sophomores and a winners game between seniors vs freshmen to determine who would face the undefeated juniors in their championship game.

“I like being an official because I like to see the girls play hard and compete against each other in football. It’s also fun to see the football team as coaches because I feel they get an appreciation for how hard coaching can be,” referee and Business teacher Travis Weitthoff said.

The teams are coached by upperclassmen students, with a majority of football players. Teams hosted practices to prepare for their matchups. The games were played in flag football form.

“We prepared by practicing and making it as easy as possible for the girls to know what routes to run and the defensive concepts,” Stephens said.

Senior redemption

Since there are extra games this year, the championship game was played on Friday, October 31st, at a mid-morning assembly. Students are invited to attend and cheer on their classmates. The seniors and juniors are excited to show off their flag football skills to students.

“They want to represent their class well. Competing in front of the school adds a new level,” Weitthoff said. 

The seniors were eager to get a rematch against the juniors, whom they had previously lost to in the first round. The seniors wanted to hold their powderpuff champion title. The final score of the championship was 33-24, and the seniors won.