On Monday, Nov. 11, the Junior class of 2015 took on the Senior class of 2014 in Bel Air High School’s Annual Powder Puff game played at Bobcat Stadium.
For the game to actually take place, many teacher and staff volunteers are needed. Principal Mr. Komondor stated, “I really want to thank the coaches for this game. I am not sure if the players and parents know this, but Mr. Benfield, Ms. Orman, Ms. McDonough, Ms. Neal and Ms. Schmid all coached this game for free. Since they didn’t take any money for coaching we didn’t have to charge all of the players and cheerleaders a $25.00 activity fee. I really appreciate these teachers stepping up and donating their time for the students of Bel Air High School, and I hope that the players of the teams will take a moment to thank their coaches.”
The first half began with Seniors electing to receive after winning the coin toss. Both teams went 3 and out in their first drives of the game and both could not convert on 4th down. It was a back and forth game as no team could take advantage of the others’ mistakes. The Juniors scored first with a safety forced by Amanda Grauman at the 11:25 mark. The Seniors would strike back though, scoring a touchdown from a 25 yard run by Rachel Lorhman. The score at the end of the first half was 6-2 in favor of the Seniors.
A lot of fans turned out on a chilly November night to watch the girls battle it out, but the Boys’ Cheerleading Squad gave them their money’s worth as they did a spectacular half time show. Junior Brad Casale did multiple back flips to get the crowd going while the rest of the Bobcat Cheer Squad did their best cartwheels and tumbles.
The second half held much of the same as both teams went back and forth as the Juniors tried to extend their lead and the Seniors working to come back. Junior Morgan Hollenback had multiple 10 yard runs to give the Juniors good field position but they could not take advantage. The Juniors finally took advantage as Aristea Burdusi gave the Juniors the lead with a 5 yard touchdown run.
Aristea talked about that touchdown after the game, “I just looked for an opening and I knew my girls would block for me so I took the opportunity and scored a touchdown to secure the win.”
The Juniors dominated most of the second half after the touchdown, controlling the game and taking time off the clock. With less than 30 seconds left, Carly Lambert threw a fade pass to Annelise Paylor to extend the junior’s lead. The game ended with the Juniors coming out on top 18-6.
Junior Hannah Sullivan was ecstatic when they won saying, “the Juniors deserved that win and it’s awesome that for the first time the Juniors finally beat the Seniors. I’m so proud of the team.”
The fans definitely got their money’s worth as they got to see a great football game and the Boys’ Cheerleading Squad give their best stab a successful cheerleading routine. This marks an end to yet another successful Powder Puff game as everybody looks forward to next year.