Juniors face learning curve in powderpuff

   Juniors are stepping onto the field ready to figure out football from scratch. While the upperclassmen already know the ropes, the junior squad is spending this season learning the basic rules, finding their positions, and trying to build some team chemistry before game day.

   Senior Avery Gersch said that practice has given players an opportunity for more direct experience rather than last year.

   “Last year was more drills, while this year has been more scrimmaging,” Gersch said. “It’ll be a good game, but I think we’ll come out on top.”

   Senior Grace Kelley said one of the best parts of playing is just getting to see her friends.

   “I’ve enjoyed having fun with my friends and learning how to play football,” Kelley said.

   For the juniors, the biggest hurdle is getting used to the rules while trying to click with teammates who are also totally new to the sport. Junior Alivia Prasnjak said they’re mostly focused on getting comfortable on the field.

   “Team chemistry and knowing the rules is important,” Prasnjak said. “We’re still getting used to playing with each other.”

   Even with the seniors holding the experience advantage, Prasnjak thinks it could end up being a tight game.

   “I think it’s going to be pretty even, but I’m confident we’ll do well,” Prasnjak said.

Junior coach Liam McKee said teaching a group that hasn’t played before definitely takes some patience.

   “It’s pretty hard to coach the juniors because they don’t know all the rules and many of them have never played before,” Mckee said.

   Still, McKee said seeing his friends get the hang of it is the best part of the job.

“My favorite part of being a coach is seeing these girls that I know, especially the ones in my grade, succeed and play well,” Mckee said.

   The juniors know they have their work cut out for them against the senior team that’s more experienced. But they aren’t backing down from the challenge.

   “I think it’s going to be hard to beat the seniors, but we’re going to try and dominate and pull through with a win,” Mckee said.

   When game day comes, both teams will get their chance to step up and prove how much they’ve practiced.