On November 12th, Southern Lehigh held its annual powderpuff football game in the high school stadium. The tradition was started to empower women and raise more funds for the high school Varsity Club. Powderpuff is unique in that the football game is played exclusively by women, with men taking on the role of their coaches.
All four grades compete in Powderpuff for bragging rights. This year, the senior class took home the trophy.
The senior class had three coaches who diligently worked with the team to strategize and plan for the upcoming games. The coaches included senior varsity football players: Gijs Fooij, Bryan Tobin, and Christopher Fritts. Bryan Tobin used his skills as the defensive coordinator to coach the team.
“I had to make a solid defense that could stop the run and pass,” said Tobin. “I made changes during the game that adjusted to what the other teams were running and we only let up one touchdown in two games.”
Fooij also took pride in their team’s win.
“The most notable moment was the last play of the championship game; the catch was absolutely incredible. The one word to describe the moment: cinema,” said Fooij. “I believe my boosting of morale helped the team the most. We won both games, a true showing of our capabilities.”
The other coaches would agree that the electric energy from Fooij truly increased the morale and vigor of the team.
A highlight of the game occurred in triple overtime in a play by senior Madison Camden.

The senior class was thrilled by the catch and happy to take home the win during their final year at Southern Lehigh.
Tobin felt confident heading into the tournament that his team would deliver despite the talent of the other teams.
“In all of our games, we were the favorites and expected to win, which we did,” said Tobin. “The sophomore v. junior game was thrilling, and the sophomores won as underdogs in overtime.”
All teams played well and had hard-fought victories and losses. Varsity Club president Madison Criscuolo feels that these games give women time to show what they have.
“I think it empowers women by showing the importance of a big game under the lights for them too,” Criscuolo said.” Holding this event for women doing something you usually see the guys do is important.”