After winning both invitationals, the pompons (poms) team attended Counties at Montgomery Blair on Feb. 7, where they placed fourth. 

In contrast to this school’s other sports teams, the poms schedule has only one true competition. After a fall season of performances during home football games, the winter team competes in three Invitationals, low-stake competitions against two other schools in the division. Their most intense and competitive performance is their final one, Counties, against their entire division.

On Jan. 10, the team attended their first invitational at Seneca Valley where they blew out the competition, winning first place. They kept the winning streak going with another first-place win on Jan. 24 at the Blake Invitational. Their third invitational was canceled due to inclement weather. “Winning the first two invitationals was rewarding knowing how hard we all worked as a team,” freshman Pom Angelina Adkins said.

To kick off Counties, Winston Churchill hit the stage. Their turns were strong with powerful facials. The music was ever-changing, keeping the crowd on their toes. Next up was Bethesda-Chevy Chase, starting fast to the beat of their live marching band. Their visuals were eye-catching, but the moves were not as technical. They also had a spectacular kickline with ridiculously high kicks. 

Following them was Poolesville, whose team was smaller than most in the competition. Their music was captivating, but the dance itself didn’t stand out, even with a full 30 seconds of extravagant kick lines. Wheaton was the final performance before Wootton. Their start was explosive and the energy remained throughout the entirety of their dance. The routine was fast and full of tricks. 

Finally, the Patriots took the floor and took viewers’ breath away. The crowd was super involved, cheering after each trick. Their facials gave chills and their choreography went perfectly with the music. It was one of their best routines this year.

Quince Orchard followed with a  routine that felt similar in talent, though significantly shorter. Next up was Rockville, who should get extra credit for their mascot, who kept the crowd entertained. Their dance contained a moving lyrical section that stood out.

The final performance came from the Seneca Valley. Despite the visible issues in the first minute or two, their energy was strong. Seneca was able to stand out with their short skit of a basketball game mid-routine.

After a dance circle, and mosh pit situation, it was time to announce awards. The spirit award, given to the team with the best energy throughout the competition, was won by BCC. In third-place was Seneca Valley, and second place went to Churchill. Wheaton took home first place. Wootton was third-runner up, getting fourth place. “I was sad with the results [of counties] but overall it was a very good first experience,” sophomore pom Hasti Sobhani said.

Counties closed out the season for this school’s poms, being the final competition for the seniors. “My favorite [poms memory] was either winning second place at Counties my freshman year or the senior night football game this year,” senior captain Jess Yeilding said.