By Fiorella Gargiulo – Staff Reporter

The annual Powderpuff game took place on November 22 at Law. After being postponed from November 21 due to rain, Law took home an exciting win against Foran 35-7. Law prepared for the game for two weeks under the direction of head coach Mr. O’Reilly. O’Reilly celebrated his first victory in second year as head coach. Advocate Staff Reporter Fiorella Gargiulo interviewed O’Reilly about their memorable win.

Fiorella Gargiulo: Why do you coach Powderpuff and what are the highlights?

Mr. O’Reilly: There are three main reasons as to why I coach Powderpuff. For starters, I want to build relationships with as many student-athletes as I can. Even though it’s only a two week season, we go through a lot to create connections that will last a long time. Secondly, it is some of the most fun I have ever had coaching. We get to teach a brand new sport to high level athletes in a short period of time and then get to play for a championship in front of the whole town. And that is probably the biggest highlight of the whole thing. Day 1 most kids don’t know what a first down is, but towards the end we’re able to execute trick plays like it’s nothing. And lastly, it is a great stepping stone to being a head coach for a full season sport. Dealing with the responsibilities of attendance, powerschool, and practice plans, teaches me how to plan for that when I coach in a full sports season. 

FG: Did you accomplish your goals for this season and game?

MO: Absolutely. We always have two goals each season – to win and to make sure no one gets hurt. We don’t want to derail someone’s basketball, track, or softball season for a two week sport. So yes, in every way, this season was a major success. 

FG: What was the team best at this year?

MO: Everything. We didn’t have a weak point in our entire team. We ran the ball for over 200 yards, passed for nearly just as many, and our defense shut them down after their first drive. But compared to some other great Powderpuff teams, I thought we had an ability to pass like no other. 

FG: What was special about this Powderpuff game?

MO: Any year we can create memories like that for our student-athletes is going to make it special. But if I had to pick one reason for me, it would be that it was my first victory as a head coach in any sport. 

FG: What are you most excited about next year?

MO: The thing I’m most excited for next year is for the Class of 2025 to become the first class to go 2-0 in Powderpuff since my childhood friends did it for their senior year in 2016. But also I’m excited for the Class of 2026 to come in. There are so many amazing student-athletes in that class that I know are going to help us carry on the tradition of keeping the trophy in Devon.