Nation Ford High School hosts its annual Powder Puff Football tournament at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16. All proceeds go to the school's spring Unified Games program for special education students.

The tournament pits teams of sophomores, juniors and seniors against each other on the Nation Ford field at 1400 A.O. Jones Blvd. in Fort Mill. The event is also a spirit week tradition at the school, The Talon, Nation Ford's student newspaper, reported Monday, Sept. 14.

Event sponsor Benjamin Bennett said the tournament's connection to Unified Games keeps growing.

"Powder puff is actually helping Unified Games as it continues to grow and continue to make sure that our students get the best of what they need," Bennett said in an interview with NAFO-TV, the school's student broadcast, as reported by The Talon. "They can continue to grow and develop a culture here at Nation Ford."

Unified Games brings together special education students and peer buddies from Fort Mill's middle and high schools each spring. A 2023 video of the event shows the program has been running for multiple years, though no date for the next edition has been announced.

The sophomores already have momentum heading into Wednesday. In a scrimmage the week of Sept. 7, the sophomore squad beat both the junior and senior teams.

Some practices were canceled because of scheduling conflicts with the school's flag football team. Several players compete in both.

Sophomore Lylah Buck, who played in last year's tournament, said flag football is one of her favorite sports. She recalled making plays last season with her quarterback, a teammate she called "pretty rad."

First-time player Elle Ramirez, also a sophomore, told The Talon the event is "a great way to do something active while also trying something new that isn't too serious."

Junior Tori Baldino, a Powder Puff veteran, called the tournament "very fun and competitive." Baldino said it is a way to get involved with the school and spirit week.

No admission price or fundraising goal has been announced. Games begin Wednesday on the Nation Ford field.