The senior class of 2026 defeated the junior class of 2027 by a score of 13-0 in Leadership’s fourth annual Powderpuff game on Coach Parks Field during lunch on Friday. Both teams were coached by members of the varsity football team: juniors Griffin Birk, George Scott and Leif Weintz for the juniors and seniors Matthew Kwon, Teddy Dacey and JT Roeder for the seniors.
The annual game isn’t just about class pride, it also raises funds for the Bay Area Young Survivors (BAYS) Foundation, who supports young people impacted by breast cancer. Organized by Leadership, the event helps spread awareness during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, along with partnering with Thrive Causemetics, where 10% of proceeds will go to the BAYS Foundation. Players and fans wear pink to show support. From custom jerseys to pink face paint, the details serve as a reminder of the cause behind the competition.
The seniors kicked off the action on offense with senior quarterback Mae Kunihiro under center. The seniors struggled to get going early due to a series of incomplete passes, one of which was nearly intercepted.
Now with the ball, the juniors started off firing, led by junior quarterback Mary Dolan, who connected with junior Juliana Pandolfo, bringing them into the red zone. Despite this, the juniors couldn’t score due to a bad snap, paired with great defense by senior Bailee Van Loben Sels. A key stop on fourth and goal ended the drive and kept the juniors off the board.
The seniors capitalized on their newfound momentum, with Kunihiro completing a pass to senior Molly Gray, who nearly scored until her flag was pulled two yards shy of the endzone. On second and goal, Kunihiro connected with senior Ryland Caelius in the back of the endzone for the first touchdown of the game. A successful extra point pass to senior Elise Koo extended the lead 7-0.
Things only went downhill for the juniors from there, and the seniors’ defense remained strong with an interception from Caelius. Offensively, the seniors handed the ball to senior Samantha Ruiz, who broke off for a big run, putting them in scoring position once again.
After a few offensive miscommunications and a sack by junior Mackenzie Scirpo, the seniors faced a dire fourth-and-goal situation. Kunihiro successfully found senior Ape Ulukivailoa in the end zone to score their second touchdown. The extra point attempt didn’t come through, but the seniors still had a strong lead 13-0.
Though the juniors looked to mount a comeback, the senior’s defense held strong. Van Loben Sels deflected a pass at the line, and Gray made a crucial flag pull to shut down the drive.
With time winding down, the seniors pushed for one last score, but were unsuccessful, ultimately leaving the final score at 13-0.
The junior coaches highlighted that they are excited to come back better than ever next year. “A lot of the reason we came out here was to have fun, and that’s what we did,” Birk said.
“I think it was definitely pretty cool that we won since the senior class hasn’t won in a long time,” Koo said. “The all around energy from our game brings our whole class together.”
