Weston Powder Puff Takes Home the W!

"When the temperature drops below 32 degrees, we have to call the game," said the volunteer officials for this year's traditional Powder Puff game the day before Thanksgiving at Wayland. With a minute left, the temperature read 31.

That made no difference to the Wildcats, who were beating Wayland 18-6 in what was to become the tenth consecutive victory for the Weston ladies. 

For those of you who do not know what Powder Puff is, it's awesome. I should know, because I was lucky enough to play this year. It's the senior girls from Wayland and Weston in a 44-minute flag football game. The location switches each year, and this year we played on Wayland's turf. Excuse me--we BEAT them on Wayland's turf!

Powder Puff is another one of those traditions that make the Thanksgiving break so great. It's competitive, no doubt, and in my opinion really brings out the school spirit for each community.

Weston took home the W with credit to all its players, which numbered in the forties. The captains were Julia Mehann, Lily Teplow and me. We won the coin toss and immediately started with the ball, receiving our first of three touchdowns by speedster Julia Kee within six or seven possessions across a 65-yard rush. 

The Powder Puff team is completely voluntary, run by the seniors themselves, including about six boys who were the coaches. The head coach was Gage Hartman, who was assisted by Peter Scarpato, Scott Alprin, Tyler Lewtan, Steven Iodice, Tim Grant, and Derek Shay. On game day, there had to have been at least 60 girls suited up on the sidelines, supporting the team. "I want your absolute best today!" said coach Scarpato. 

The Westoners wore their all-black get-ups with the proud FTW printed on the back. I know everyone is wondering what that acronym was ... For The Win! 

"The key to our success was our running plays, like Optimus, Prime, and L-Reverse," said Lewtan. And no doubt that was true--all three touchdowns were scored with speed. 

"It only got dirty at the end," said Alexandra Rigabond. I know that's true too ... I may have experienced a small quarrel or two myself.

It was definitely all in good fun, however. In fact, the next morning at the annual Senior Class Pancake Breakfast, I reviewed a few plays with Principal Parker while assuring him of the level of class with which the Wildcats played. 

The girls celebrated for at least 15 minutes after the final whistle. It was definitely a proud 'senior' moment. We only wished the same momentum would have followed our boys onto the field the next day.

Now the pressure is on you ladies of WHS 2013 ... on our own turf, bring home #11!