By Bella Ghile, Entertainment Editor
Herndon’s traditional powderpuff game kicked off on the 13th of October, fought between the senior and junior girls. The seniors were decorated in black and pink, and juniors, in contrasting white and pink. The field and bleachers were also decorated with similar colored balloons: pink, black, gray, and white. On the football field, there were about twice the number of seniors than juniors, but the juniors made up for it with an extra boost of effort.
In the first ten minutes, the juniors had scored the first touchdown by a far pass and ended with an amazing run down into the touchdown area, making it 7-0. Touchdowns counted for a full seven points in the game, and field goals were ignored.
The momentum of the game slowed up during the next ten minutes, with the seniors unable to make consecutive passes while in possession.
Throughout the game, there were a few physical takedowns contrary to the touch football rules, each met with a yellow flag and winces from the crowd. Tensions flared on numerous occasions between the juniors and seniors, and some of the seniors quickly became agitated with the officials. By the end of the first half, the juniors were still up 7-0.
Or so it seemed, until the seniors managed to score a hard-earned touchdown with one minute left until halftime, tying the game at 7-7.
At the start of the second half, the seniors grouped together and chanted ceremoniously. The 20-minute countdown began yet again. However, there was a change in the seniors’ demeanor, their defense was tighter, and they refused to let the juniors gain too many yards.
At the same time, their offense was making way, their passes were connected and they took running chances. Prior to their attempted second touchdown, they took a quick team huddle at the 15-yard mark. And after a few downs, senior Tania Bushrod scored a running touchdown with ease; the seniors led 14-7.
In less than five minutes, the juniors answered with another touchdown, tying the game again, at 14-14.
The seniors lost their next possession to an interception, which brought the crowd to their feet, roaring out cheers.
The juniors, invigorated by the energy of the crowd, delivered another touchdown in no time, making it 21-14.
The last timeout of the game took place in the last two minutes, though that was not enough time for the seniors to catch up.
The game had turned in the juniors’ favor, scoring another touchdown, raising the lead to 28-14.
With less than two minutes on the clock. Bushrod had an amazing 50 yard dash down the field giving the seniors a touchdown and a great morale boost making the score now, 28-21.
The game ended in a junior victory, though both teams were able to come together and move over inside the building, to celebrate a great game.