It was not just a game, it was a showdown full of laughter, touchdowns, and teamwork- all for a cause that hits close to home. Powerpuff spirit was in full swing as students cheered their hearts out for the breast cancer awareness all-girls’ flag football game.

The seniors and juniors faced off to raise money for the INOVA Life With Cancer charity, as well as the Cancer Kids First charity. The event was set up by the Ribbon Warriors, whose club goals focus on raising awareness for cancer and fundraising money for cancer based charities. Every year, they plan the event starting in the spring by picking a date, and then go through the process of making all the rules for the game, creating practice schedules, and designing shirts that follow.

Science teacher Mrs. Candace King has been one of the proud sponsors of the ribbon warriors for the past three years. “Powerpuff is important to me because everybody has been touched or affected by cancer in some way, whether it’s a relative or personal experiences,” she explained. 

Junior player EJ East was a corner for her team. Powerpuff is also important to her, but for different reasons. “It’s a fun experience for juniors and seniors, and a good way to connect the community,” East said.

Josiah Cameron, who was a coach for the junior team described the process of training the girls, sharing, “Most of the practices were figuring out positions, learning plays, and preparing the girls for what a game would look like by scrimmaging.” Cameron decided to coach because he believed it was a fun opportunity and was a good way to spend time with the community. 

The senior team’s defensive coach, Mikey Fisher, has spent his time rigorously training the team. According to Fisher, an average practice would last about an hour. It would start off with warm ups and flag pulling, followed by a defensive period where players learn position responsibilities, more flag pullings, how to attack the ball and get interceptions, and overall what the defense should look like and how it should operate. 

Fisher has been playing flag football his whole life, and he still participates in flag football playing in travel leagues. As a result of this, Powerpuff was the perfect opportunity for him to come and coach. Fisher explained his love for coaching, sharing, “I can have a fun time and help out these girls that are my classmates and my friends.”

The event ended in a victory for the senior team, and money successfully raised for a good cause, making all of the hard work worth it.