Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Powder Puff Football

Dear Powder Puff Football,

I like you. Every year the junior and senior girls at my high school faced off in the Powder Puff Championship. It was a nice competitive event that required practice, physical toughness, and males willing to put on skirts to become the cheerleaders.

I enjoyed the way you gave that one girl who had always been a little short for her weight, yet 6’ 5”, a chance to shine in front of the whole school. She was that really nice girl who seemed to have gotten more genes from her dad's side. It was as if she'd been bred her entire life for that game. For many years she probably felt uncomfortable with her size, at times a little out of place, and then comes along a game seemingly created for her to dominate. And dominate she did, hammering petite valley girls filling in at running-back and tight end. Then on offense, she'd create holes offensive coordinators dream of. Maybe she'd never score or throw a touchdown, but she'd leave the field in a wake of bruises and broken nails. It was the classic underdog story, played out every year by an atypically large underdog.

Not all the spectators pay attention to your subtle footnotes such as these, but some do. I remember one particular year, when the game ended and our hero walked off the field with her head held high, I noticed a cheerleader who was also overcome by emotion as mascara ran down his face.

It was a powerful image, one that has been seared into my memory ever since.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

A Fan

9 comments:

  1. Your powder puff cheerleaders wore make up? Don't answer that if you were exaggerating. I want to picture that your powder puff cheerleaders went that step beyond.

    ReplyDelete
  2. As a feminist I would have picked up pompoms and cheered for the greatest moment in life.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Powder puff football sounds good, but in the wrong hands it turns into the lingerie football league. All good things have the capacity to be turned evil.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks for sharing this. I didn't know they did things like that in America. Glad to hear a girl like that got time to shine! Even if it was just once!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Powder Puff Football... is that a fact? Well, I wouldn't mind putting on a skirt if you can assure me it's a kilt and provide me with a drink :) Talking of which... we're all waiting for you to join in on the fun. It involves a tropical beach, free drinks and good company. Cheerleaders included.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Pickleope's comment killed me. Can you believe that I live in such a rural area that they actually televise one of the local hs' annual powderpuff game? Such drama and you don't even have to leave the comfort of your living room.

    ReplyDelete
  7. wow this is hilarious!!! im a follower henceforth!

    ReplyDelete