Elsie Collins (286)

The annual Powderpuff game at Central is an amazing tradition that has been going on for eighteen years. No school in Philadelphia has been playing this game for longer than Central. Powderpuff is the event where the junior class plays the senior class in a game of flag football. The girls are the players and boys on the football team coach their class. When asked how the Powderpuff tradition started at Central, Powderpuff staff organizer Mr. Horwits said, “When I was a student teacher in Pittsburgh, they did it, so when I came to Central I started it.” 

On November 20, 2025, 285 played 286 and, while it was an exciting game, 285 eventually pulled away, winning 25-12. However bad the score may seem for 286, the junior class has only ever won one time versus the senior class. The seniors generally dominate because they have some experience under their belts from the previous year. 

286 stuck with 285 for the first quarter of the game, with both defenses performing well. 285 got the ball first, and punted almost immediately, without getting a single first down. The same thing then followed when 286 was on offense. Finally, during the third possession of the game, Elana Maser (285) caught a fifteen-yard pass for the first touchdown of the game, making the score 6-0. Shortly thereafter, 285 scored another touchdown and converted the extra point attempt, jumping ahead 13-0. 

At the start of the second half, the junior quarterback, Josie Chrismer (286), handed the ball off to teammate Vivienne Profy (286), who ran towards the sideline, outrunning her defenders, and from there she sprinted to the endzone. This touchdown gave the 286 team hope and singlehandedly made Vivienne the MVP for their team. In the second half, 285 had a twenty-yard passing touchdown, and 286 immediately responded with a ten-yard run by Josie into the endzone. 

There was no more scoring after that, with the game ending 25-12. It is worth noting that the defense on both teams excelled. 286 came away with 2 interceptions, and 285 had one interception. There were also many sacks and tackles for loss, as well as important 4th down stops. 

The energy on the sideline was amazing. Central’s band was at the game, and they played songs without stopping throughout. A crowd favorite was “We Will Rock You,” and the presence of the band made the atmosphere so much more special. 

Overall, Powderpuff 2025 can be called a huge success and super fun for everyone involved. Mr. Horwits wants everyone to know that “Powderpuff is a great tradition because it’s a friendly class rivalry and a chance for Central to continue to showcase its class pride and spirit.”