Junior and senior girls took to the field at Marion Street to play in the school’s annual Powderpuff football game on Saturday, Nov. 18. The game was organized by the Key Club, and all ticket sales for the game were donated to the Fly With Me charity, which helps fight autism.

The seniors got off to an early start, with Allie Kunstler scoring a 90-yard touchdown on the game’s opening drive. At halftime, the score was 21-0 in favor of the seniors. However, the juniors kept fighting and were able to score two touchdowns against a tenacious senior defense, led by Sophia LoCicero with three interceptions on the day. In the end, the seniors came out on top, winning by a score of 34-14. Allie Kunstler and Gina Giovinco both scored two touchdowns for the seniors, with Erin Pender adding the final score for the class of 2018, while the junior scores were produced by Jade Fixon-Owoo and Madison Barroso.

Members of both teams had comments on the day’s festivities. Senior coach Steven Hendrickson remarked that “it felt great to win in both of my years coaching.” Junior head coach Jimmy Murray had a much different opinion: “Our team didn’t play up to our potential, and we made many turnovers and mental mistakes.” When asked about how his team will prepare differently in anticipation of next year’s game against the current sophomores, Murray stated, “Next year we have to get better attendance at practice and we have to work out constantly this offseason. It was a tough atmosphere to play in considering most people were cheering for the seniors. On top of that, the referees made some questionable calls that could’ve been game changers. But my ladies weren’t phased and still gave their all, especially [Nicole] Barrett, Fixon-Owoo, and Kayla ‘Odell’ O’Doherty.”

Regardless of the outcome of the game, everyone who helped organize and/or participated in the game was smiling because it was all for a great cause. After the game, the Key Club announced that the total amount raised far exceeded their goal. Junior Emily Moelis, who helped set up this year’s game and played in it, said, “We are such lucky kids in this school and many people take that for granted, so being able to give back really makes a difference.”

Physical Education Teacher Robert Kolb, who was one of the game’s officials, mentioned, “I thought the game was well organized and supported, as the students played hard while showing great sportsmanship. The coaches and fans did a great job of showing support to all who played. I was very proud of all who participated in the cold/wind-blown game. Coming together for such a great cause is just another example as to why Lynbrook is such a special place.”

“It’s an honor to be able to raise money for such an important cause,” commented Murray. “At the end of the day it’s just a game, and what really matters is the money raised for charity.”