Cranford’s Memorial Field has been the backdrop for some of the most memorable and dramatic moments in the school’s sports history. Most recently, the Varsity Football team made a thrilling stop on 4th and inches to clinch a spot in the state semi-finals, and the girls’ soccer team celebrated a hard-fought victory over Rahway in the state tournament. However, this past Monday night, the field hosted a different kind of sporting event: the annual Powder Puff football game with over 150 people in attendance.

Powder Puff is one of Cranford High School’s most cherished traditions, organized annually by the Student Council. In this exciting event, junior and senior girls compete against each other in a friendly game of flag football, with members of the football team stepping in as coaches for the night.

As the largest fundraiser hosted by the Student Council, Powder Puff raises money to support a variety of school events throughout the year. Traditionally, the event features a popular snack stand to boost funds. However, this year, thanks to a generous grant from the the NJEA in support of the Cranford Education Association, attendees enjoyed free chips, hot chocolate, and mini footballs emblazoned with “Cranford Education Association” – adding an extra layer of community spirit to the event. 

As this year’s game began, the senior and junior players stood on opposite sidelines as the National Anthem was played by Mr. Chernosky, the band director. The game began with both teams trading touchdowns on their opening drives, though neither was able to convert the two-point attempt. For the juniors, the first touchdown was one of the few bright spots of the first half. Following that, the seniors dominated the rest of the quarter, scoring 15 unanswered points and taking a commanding 21-6 lead at the end of the first.

Following the high-scoring start, both teams settled into a more competitive rhythm, with no further scoring until the final three minutes of the second quarter. There, the seniors extended their lead to 27-6. Just when it seemed the game was slipping away from the juniors, a late touchdown with just 27 seconds left in the half reignited hope on their sideline. As the teams headed into halftime, the seniors held a 27-12 lead.

After a quick chat with the coaches and a visit to the snack stand, the teams returned to the field for the second half. The seniors came out strong, quickly putting the juniors on the defensive. A stop to begin the half, followed by an early touchdown, extended the seniors’ lead to a commanding 33-12. But the juniors weren’t ready to give up just yet. They answered back with a touchdown on the final play of the third quarter, cutting the lead to 33-18 and keeping their hopes alive.

That hope grew even stronger when the juniors managed to stop the seniors on their first drive of the fourth quarter. Seizing the opportunity, the juniors mounted a long, five-minute drive, scoring again and converting a successful two-point attempt. Suddenly, the once-21-point lead had shrunk to just seven. But despite their best efforts, the juniors’ comeback fell short. The seniors methodically drove down the field, running out the clock. With a first down and only 30 seconds remaining, the seniors sealed the victory, continuing their undefeated streak. The game ended with both teams shaking hands, a show of sportsmanship after a hard-fought battle.

Overall, the game was a major success for the Student Council, and the seniors were thrilled to secure the win. While the juniors faced defeat, they had a fantastic time and are already looking forward to continuing the tradition next year!