In just a few weeks, Nashua North and Nashua South will go head-to-head in the annual Powder Puff football game at Stellos Stadium.

Upperclassmen anticipate the big game and spend a substantial amount of time preparing and training. Each student community always has a blast laughing and cheering on their own school to defeat the rival team.

North has arranged a team of upperclassmen girls to be a part of the flag football team, and upperclassmen boys sign up to be the cheerleaders.

Varsity football players coach the girls on skills such as throwing, catching, running and carrying out strategic plays. North cheerleaders teach the boys fun cheers and chants to increase the spirit and pep of the audience in the stands.

The coaches are very encouraging and assign equal opportunity to each player who joins. It’s enlightening to see a large group of seniors get along and support each other through practice, even if they aren’t all best friends outside of the program.

Senior varsity football captains who coach the girls team include Devin Leonard, Shane LeGraw, David Muite, Dylan Salazar, Greg Stanton, Michael Muchemore and Hanzla Sheikh.

"In the end, the goal is to beat South, but along the way our goal as a whole is to bring together the senior class and cooperate to build a stronger team that’s harder to beat," said Dylan Salazar, one of the coaches.

"It’s great to see the amount of effort the girls are putting into these practices," Salazar said. "I can’t wait until the big game and to show South what Titans are made of. I hope everyone can come to support the big game and cheer us on."

Salazar said the team is still welcoming new players who are interested in joining.

The football captains will stand on the sidelines and coach the girls similar to how they are coached during their own football games.

During halftime, the male cheerleaders perform a routine for entertainment. This includes doing small acrobatic stunts and a choreographed dance designed by North’s female cheerleaders.

You’re guaranteed a good laugh if you come to watch the cheerleaders from each school. They are very enthusiastic about their position, and they do a great job of getting the crowd loud and involved.

The game is at Stellos Stadium on Oct. 27 and only requires a few dollars for admission. The hope is to have a large Titan section filled with fans who are spirited and energetic.

Coaches, players and cheerleaders are anticipating a good game and are still training to earn the win. Go, Titans!

Emily Sanford is a senior at Nashua High School North.