Seniors seal a victory at 2018 homecoming powderpuff
The senior line celebrating their second win
September 27, 2018
WHAT HAPPENED: The senior class of 2019 won Powderpuff last night, behind a speedy offensive attack and tough defense. They beat the sophomores 8-0 in overtime before taking down the juniors 8-0 in the championship match.
WHAT IT MEANS: The seniors claimed their first championship and will leave Grand Haven High School victorious. The win also continues the streak of senior dominance, as the class of 2018 won last year.
KEY MOMENTS: After a slow start for both sides, the offense finally broke through and senior Alli Keyser ran for a touchdown from 23 yards out. She then converted the two-point conversion to take an 8-0 lead. Then, on the final play of the game, Keyser stopped junior Ellary Bylsma at the goaline, sealing the victory.
THREE STARS
- First Star: Alli Keyser. As the focal point of the team, the senior got it done both sides of the ball, routinely making plays throughout the night. She scored the game-winning touchdown and made the game-clinching save on Bylsma to win the game.
- Second Star: Ellary Bylsma. The junior was the lone standout of her team’s offense, scoring on a touchdown run to beat the freshmen, 8-0. Her speed proved crucial later on, as she propelled the Bucs down the field in the championship match. Unfortunately, she was stopped a yard short of what would’ve been a thrilling 15-yard score to tie the game.
- Third Star: Carley Wagasky. A sophomore, Wagasky was the most dynamic player of the night. While the sophomores didn’t beat the juniors, Wagasky controlled the consolation game, beating the freshmen 16-0. She ran for a score of 45 yards and then another long run that the length of couldn’t be determined.
THEY SAID IT
- “I was really nervous, ” Keyser said of her game winning tackle. “Coming up to this year I’ve always missed tackles, I’ve always missed flags. Getting the tackle is way harder than what it seems.”
- “It felt awesome,” Keyser said of winning the championship game. “We didn’t have a lot of people at practice so we were all over the place and to see everyone out here, motivated was pretty awesome.”
WHAT TO WATCH FOR NEXT YEAR: The pressure will be on next year’s seniors (this year’s juniors), who came inches away from a potential title. After getting their first win this year, they will be eager to claim the crown. However, next year’s juniors (this year’s sophomores) may have something to say about that. If Wagasky continues her reign, watch out.
