Since last Tuesday, Hayes High School has had eight extra football teams.
Eight powderpuff teams have been on the field practicing during their house period every day since Sept. 25 to get ready for the big game at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3. The powderpuff game is just of many games and events that the eight houses at Hayes will compete in during the school year.
Varsity football players and coaches have been coaching the teams, teaching the basics of the game such as defense, offense and kicking, as well as specific plays and defenses.
Freshmen student and would-be-kicker Alex Ritter said she’s enjoyed the practices and is looking forward to the game.
“I think competition against friends is cool,” Ritter said. “I think it’ll be fun to watch.”
Sophomore Jordan Johnson said she joined the powderpuff team for several reasons.
“It’s fun to play with your peers,” Johnson said. “You don’t get to see girls playing football.”
Leslie Dunster, Johnson’s teammate, agreed and said it’s nice to break from the normal schedule of high school.
“It’s fun to get to go outside and do stuff,” Dunster, a sophomore said.
Likewise, senior Syndey Breese said she’s enjoyed getting outside during the day and practicing.
“It’s nice to get outside and not be in class,” Breese said.
Breese added she also joined because it was her senior year and she thought it be a fun thing to do.
Breese and her teammate, Rachel Bordan, are also soccer players and said they were “recruited” to be on the team because they have plenty of kicking experience, but they said football and soccer have different kicking styles.
“The ball is a lot different,” Bordan said. “It’s heavier and harder.”
One of the coaches for Steamtown, Keith Butts, is a few months into his first year teaching at Hayes and coaching the football team. Butts said he enjoys coaching the powderpuff teams.
“It’s great seeing the school come together to have fun,” he said.
Butts said the girls had picked the game up quickly.
“They seem interested!” he said. “We’ve even taught them some of our plays.”
Butts added he’s had to remind himself that he’s not coaching the varsity team.
“It’s similar but a lot different. You have to be a bit nicer,” Butts laughed. “This is more about having fun and gaining experience. I’m excited to bring Steamtown back to the top.”
The game is at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Cornell Stadium.
