ANSONIA – Football is a way of life in Ansonia, and now it’s the girls’ turn to reverse the roles on the gridiron.
Ansonia High School senior class president Weston Ahearn is shaking things up with the debut Monday (Nov. 17) of the school’s first-ever powderpuff football game.
The all-girls, 7 vs 7 flag-football game will feature AHS senior girls facing off against the AHS junior girls.
Kick-off is set for 6 p.m. at Nolan Field, located on Wakelee Avenue, on the newly turfed field.
Tickets are $5 for adults, and free for kids 12 and under, and will be available at the gate.
“I wanted to hold a powderpuff game to bring more unity and school spirit to our school,” Weston said. “Being the senior class president, I am always trying to find new ways to get our students involved and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to have everyone participate.”
All proceeds from the game will benefit senior class activities, Weston said, including things like homecoming, the prom, trips and other senior class school events.
Weston, 17, said planning for the powderpuff game has been in the works for a few months. She’s been meeting with school administrators, class advisors and teachers since September on all sorts of details – from the halftime show and security to tickets and getting shirts made – ahead of the main event.
“It has been a very long process, but I am so grateful for the people who helped this idea become a real event,” Weston said.
The game will feature two halftime shows, according to Weston. One will spotlight the senior and junior cheerleaders performing a dance routine and the other will feature a field-goal kicking contest, where for $2 a ticket, anyone can compete for a chance to win a free homecoming ticket.
“Our main goal with powderpuff is to make it fun for everyone, not just the players,” Weston added. “The most important thing I hope people get out of the powderpuff game is that it is supposed to bring unity to Ansonia. Whether that is from high school students, families or community members, we hope to put on a show and have a fun, new tradition for our town.”
Weston said she’s hopeful the powderpuff game will become an annual event.
Teacher Karen Phipps lauded Weston for her efforts in making the powderpuff game a reality.
“Weston has taken the lead in organizing every aspect of the event, from planning and recruiting players to coordinating logistics, all with the goal of raising funds for senior year activities,” Phipps said via an email. “The game not only showcases her leadership and school spirit but also brings together students and staff for a fun, community-building event that celebrates Ansonia’s strong football culture in a new way.”