HOPE – A tradition which has spanned generations at Hope High School continues here Wednesday at the annual HHS Powder Puff Football Game.
Pitting junior versus senior class girls on the gridiron in a spirited football contest, both teams will field some significant depth this year, according to HHS Student Council Advisor Lena VanCamp.
“The annual Powder Puff game between the senior and junior girls is a tradition that dates back over 50 years,” VanCamp said.
Each class fields a full 11-player football squad coached by male class members, and cheered on by their own line of “cheerleaders.”
“The Powder Puff game is a way for each class to come together and practice teamwork and good sportsmanship,” VanCamp said. “It also serves as an end of the year celebration, or a farewell for the senior class.”
Senior coaches are Josh Witherspoon, Isaiah Glover and Desmond Johnson.
Senior “cheerleaders” are Jesse Hernandez, Mason Henley, Mario Valdez, and Andrew Washington. Senior cheer coaches are Gabby Cheatham, Lakin Hulett, and Grayson Miles.
The 2016 Senior Squad includes Caitlin Mullins, Lilly Alba, K’nyza Horton, Bridgette Nash-Harris, Payton Belasco, Kaiyla Welch, Nakya Griffin, Danyelle Jordan, Ashley Rodden, Lakendra Moss, Michaela Minefee, Shelby Smith, A’lecia Conway, Tycorianna Briggs, A’Raevia Conway, Caitlyn Wright, Judith Artis, LaMia Maxfield, Ka’Meisha Conway, Ajah Criner, and Skylar Howard.
Junior coaches are Lawrence Scott, Devron Collins, and Kadarius Munn.
Junior “cheerleaders” are LaCarols Johnson and Blake Rook; and, are coached by Alissa Lewis.
The 2016 Junior Squad includes Summer Pauley, Sydney Watson, Taharia Woodbury, Lisbeth Bello, Ameiah Trotter, Tia Corbett, Darnesha Vickers, Leenetta Conways, Gianni Trotter, Tatyanna Smith, Emily Leyva, Shakira Ellis, Jennifer Juarez, and Stormy Easttum.
Game time is 2:10 p.m. Wednesday at Hammons Stadium on the HHS campus, rain or shine. The game will be moved into the gymnasium in the event of bad weather.