Fifth graders hold paper football tourney

As everyone was getting ready for the big game on Sunday, the Sundance Elementary fifth graders were getting ready for their own. On Thurs., Feb. 9, Addy Adams became the latest addition to the Paper Football Hall of Fame.

But before we get into that, let's hear a word from our sponsors – or previous winners.

Mr. Olson introduced all of the past winners, spanning back to 2015. Let's start with last year's winner, Zander Stover, who reported an exceptional hairline.

Next was 2021's champion, MacKenna Olson. Mr. Olson, her father, was caught telling the fifth graders that she could drive legally after winning.

2020 winner, Tel Marchant, skipped eighth-grade math and went straight to Algebra 1. Not only that, but delivered an inspirational speech about improving his tag "skills".

Keaton Lenz also reported an exquisite hairline. Parker Skeens became so famous after winning that he can't even leave to buy milk without being bombarded by the paparazzi. He also intrigued the class with promises of no homework for the rest of the year.

The second Keaton of the night (Mills) disclosed his sponsorship with Gatorade. He then shared that he drinks upwards of 40 gallons a week; perhaps the reason for his height?

Finally arriving fashionably late, the very first title holder of "Paper Football Champion of the World," Sheridan Schubarth, who was there to referee. Deklan Gill and Lexi Marchant volunteered to give a demonstration of the game.

After about six years of waiting for a rematch, Lexi finally won, leaving Deklan to wait until next year, when he might beat a fifth grader. Deklan also gave a beautiful delivery of the National Anthem to make it up. After that, he gave an uplifting speech about success and vomit.

It was down to the semifinalists: Kasen, Chesney, Ava and Addy. In a game of girls vs. boys, Kasen played Chesney and Ava played Addy, leaving a girl playing a boy in the finals.

Two extremely heated games ended in tears, exhaustion and, of course, two winners: Addy and Kasen. After a short commercial break, the class returned to find the room decked out for the finals.

With the lights out and the spotlight on, the pair clashed until the five minutes were up. Addy Adams walked out with the trophy and a score of 100 to 70.

Her name will forever be engraved on the PPFL Championship of the World Trophy, and she will have all the privileges and accolades that come with becoming one of the very best paper football players in the world.